In a major step toward rebuilding Lebanon’s deteriorating public sector, the Ministry of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) and the American University of Beirut (AUB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking, driving innovation in public service delivery, and fostering academic-government collaboration.
The agreement, signed on July 17, 2025, by Minister of State Dr. Fadi Makki and AUB President Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, establishes a broad framework for cooperation at a time when Lebanon’s public institutions face unprecedented challenges. The ceremony was held at AUB and attended by senior government officials, university leadership, and academics.
“As Lebanon’s public sector verges on collapse, this collaboration offers much-needed solutions,” said Dr. Makki. “It’s a platform that will connect public institutions with AUB’s academic expertise and student energy—providing real-time support and restoring public confidence.”
The initiative will activate AUB’s Government Engagement Platform (GEP) to provide technical support, student-led projects, and expert consultancy to public bodies. This includes applied learning opportunities such as internships in policy development, as well as research and innovation labs to co-develop solutions that match Lebanon’s complex governance needs.
AUB President Dr. Khuri affirmed the university’s full institutional commitment, pledging resources from students, faculty, and alumni to aid in reform efforts. “We are ready to work in a data-driven manner, without limits,” he said. “The rebuilding of a sustainable and accountable state must involve government, academia, and the private sector sitting at one table—even when disagreements are loud.”
The MoU outlines four strategic initiatives:
- Digital Platform for Academic Engagement: To match AUB faculty expertise with public institution needs.
- Behavioral Science and Innovation Lab: Drawing on university-wide capabilities, including AUB’s business, engineering, health, and arts faculties.
- Digital Transformation Academy: A taskforce-led initiative to build digital literacy and IT capacity across government institutions.
- Support for the ‘Reinventing the State’ Initiative: Led by AUB’s Good Governance and Citizenship Observatory, Asfari Institute, Issam Fares Institute, and others.
These initiatives aim to support Lebanon’s long-term governance goals while empowering students and faculty to participate in meaningful national development efforts.
The partnership emphasizes hands-on collaboration, skills development, and inclusive dialogue. It also aims to improve transparency and rebuild trust in public institutions—key priorities for a country facing severe economic and administrative crises.
By joining forces, OMSAR and AUB hope to foster a new generation of reform-minded leaders, ready to navigate Lebanon’s complex governance landscape and steer the nation toward a more resilient and responsive state.
