Four members of the American University of Beirut (AUB) community have been appointed to the newly established Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, marking a significant step in strengthening Lebanon’s engagement with global initiatives in education, culture, science, and communication.
The commission, which brings together experts and public figures from across the country, is designed to advance UNESCO’s mission within Lebanon, promoting intellectual cooperation and fostering development across key sectors.
Among the new appointees, two AUB faculty members will chair standing committees. Dr Nadine Panayot, curator of the AUB Archaeological Museum and associate professor of practice, will lead the Education and Culture Committee. In her remarks, she emphasised the centrality of learning and heritage to Lebanon’s future. “Education and culture are our true capital and a vital foundation for a sustainable Lebanon,” she said, adding that she felt honoured to take on the role under the leadership of Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh.
Dr Shady Hamadeh, professor and director of AUB’s Environment and Sustainable Development Unit, will chair the Science and Communication Committee. Reflecting on the challenges facing Lebanese society, he commented: “Resilience is an innate Lebanese science to be widely communicated.” He also expressed gratitude for the chance to serve, describing the appointment as an opportunity to reinforce Lebanon’s scientific and communicative capacities.
The commission will also benefit from the expertise of Dr Rachid El Daif, novelist and creative writing lecturer in AUB’s Department of Arabic and Near Eastern Languages. Renowned for his literary contributions, Dr El Daif highlighted the significance of his appointment, saying: “It is an honour, and I hope to contribute actively and usefully to the work.” His involvement brings a humanities dimension to the commission’s efforts, underlining the role of literature and creative expression in cultural dialogue.
In addition, Mona El Hallak, director of the AUB Neighborhood Initiative, joins the commission, drawing on her track record of community-focused projects. She previously collaborated with the body in 2019 to launch Lebanon’s first Week of Sound, a project that combined education, science, and culture. Speaking about her new role, she said: “I am excited to join this commission as a member, and I am sure that, with AUB as a strategic partner, we will be able to implement educational, scientific, and cultural projects in Beirut and beyond.”
The appointments reflect AUB’s longstanding role as a hub for education, research, and cultural stewardship in Lebanon and the wider region. By contributing to the work of the commission, the university’s representatives are expected to help shape national policies and initiatives that address pressing needs in education reform, heritage preservation, scientific innovation, and public communication.
As the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO begins its work, observers note that its diverse membership offers an opportunity to align Lebanon more closely with international cultural and educational standards, while drawing on local expertise to meet unique national challenges. With AUB’s involvement, the commission is positioned to play a meaningful role in strengthening Lebanon’s cultural and intellectual life at a time of ongoing social and economic uncertainty.
