Your Excellencies,
Esteemed Experts, Distinguished Guests, Dear Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With deep pride and immense honor, we start
today a new chapter in the history of the University of Balamand as we come
together to celebrate, for the first time on our campus, The World Water Day —
an event held under the high patronage of His Excellency the President of the
Republic of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun, and organized in collaboration with
the Ministry of Energy and Water under the noble theme: "Preserving
Lebanon’s Glaciers."
Sitting high on the majestic Qurnat
as-Sawda, nearly 3,087 meters above sea level, these permanent ice formations,
along with Lebanon’s snowcaps and water reserves, are a priceless national
treasure. Protecting them from the threats of global warming and human activity
is not just an environmental responsibility — it is a patriotic duty. This
commitment is even more important today, as sustainable water management
becomes a key part of international efforts to promote peace and stability, in
line with UNESCO’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the International
Hydrological Programme (IHP).
On behalf of the University of Balamand, I
extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Lebanese
Republic General Joseph Aoun, for his gracious patronage; to His Beatitude
Patriarch John X for his blessing; and to His Excellency the Minister of Energy
and Water, Mr. Joe Saddi, for his unwavering support of this pioneering
initiative.
It is a great honor to welcome today,
distinguished leaders and experts from around the world for a gathering focused
on shaping a shared vision for the future of sustainable water governance.
A special recognition goes to Professor
Fadi Comair — a global authority, two-time Chair of the UNESCO International
Hydrological Programme (2019–2023), President of the National Water Committee,
and Advisor for Sustainable Development — whose vision and leadership have been
key to making this event possible.
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
Today’s event is more than just a celebration — it marks an important step
forward.
We are proud to announce that, following a decision by the UNESCO International
Hydrological Programme (IHP) in June 2024, the University of Balamand has been
named as co-host of the ECOMED UNESCO-IHP Academy.
This prestigious recognition highlights our strong commitment to advancing
scientific research, encouraging innovation, and promoting sustainable
governance.
In addition, the University of Balamand aims to create a regional platform that
brings together leading institutions to discuss the vital connections between
Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystems (WEFE).
Through this approach, we seek to strengthen the link between research,
innovation, and governance, helping our societies become more resilient in the
face of the growing challenges of climate change.
Believing in the important role of
universities, we renew our commitment to serving the public good in two main
areas:
First, Helping policymakers and
administrators in developing countries like Lebanon by
promoting reforms based on innovation and modernization, breaking away from
outdated systems, and supporting their active role in shaping public policies
for the water sector.
Second, Helping university students take
an active role by teaching them how national
institutions work, sharing scientific and technological knowledge with public
authorities, and encouraging them to help rebuild governance and fight
corruption. Our universities will shape the future leaders in water management
and sustainable development, so we must build a new culture of water awareness
and responsibility.
In
this spirit, the University of Balamand is proud to announce its plan to create
a Center for Research in Governance, Innovation, and Technology, which will
focus on integrated security in water, energy, food, and the environment.
In
conclusion, today’s gathering reflects our shared hope and firm commitment to
creating a future built on collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect. We
are confident that by working together, we can face the challenges ahead and establish
a safer, stronger, and more united world for the generations to come.
Thank
you all for being here and for your continuous support.
Welcome to the University of Balamand.