Beirut, January 16, 2026: The University of Balamand (UOB) spearheaded a high-level academic and diplomatic mission with the Cyprus Institute (CyI) aimed at strengthening Euro-Mediterranean cooperation on climate action, scientific diplomacy, and sustainable peace. The mission concluded with a meeting at Baabda Palace with H.E. President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun, who endorsed the initiative and granted it his blessing.
The President of the Republic received Dr. Elias L. Warrak, President of the University of Balamand, accompanied by the Cyprus Institute delegation headed by H.E. Professor Stavros Malas, and a delegation from UOB. During the meeting, President Aoun stressed the importance of the role played by Lebanese universities and scientific diplomacy in strengthening national resilience and affirmed: “You have my blessing. This is very important for Lebanon to play this pivotal role at the Euro-Mediterranean level.”
Professor Stavros Malas emphasized that all CyI research and innovation programs targeting Lebanon will be developed in cooperation UOB and through the Center for Climate Diplomacy and Sustainable Peace (CDSP), ensuring strategic alignment and long-term impact.
The visit began on January 12, at UOB’s Dekwaneh Campus, where the CyI delegation was formally received by Dr. Elias L. Warrak and Prof. Fadi Georges Comair, Senior Executive Advisor to the President for Strategic Sustainability and Global Development.
During these meetings, Dr. Warrak presented the vision and objectives of the UOB Climate Diplomacy and Sustainable Peace Hub, recently institutionalized as the Center for Climate Diplomacy and Sustainable Peace (CDSP). He highlighted the Center’s role in advancing climate diplomacy, regional cooperation, and sustainable peace through academic leadership, research excellence, and international partnerships.
Prof. Comair presented the CDSP and its four strategic pillars, highlighting its association with the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), making it the first ESDC-affiliated platform in the Middle East.
On January 15, the delegation visited UOB’s Koura campus, touring key facilities and attending presentations showcasing UOB’s flagship initiatives in sustainability, the WEFE Nexus, hydrodiplomacy, climate governance, and cultural heritage preservation.
Professor Malas praised the depth and quality of UOB’s academic and research ecosystem and reiterated the strategic importance of expanding cooperation between the CyI and the UOB, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean.
