Hariri Foundation and Technology Ministry Sign AI Cooperation Agreement in Lebanon

The Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development and the Ministry of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence signed a memorandum of understanding at the Hariri Foundation's Beirut office aimed at enhancing awareness and skills in artificial intelligence.

The memorandum was signed by Mrs. Bahia Hariri, Chairperson of the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development, and His Excellency Dr. Kamal Shehadeh, Minister of Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence. The signing ceremony was attended by Sidon’s Mayor Engineer Mustafa Hijazi, the President of the Sidon and South Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Mr. Mohammed Saleh, the President of the Sidon and Suburbs Traders Association Mr. Ali Al-Sharif, the President of the Federation of Labor Unions and Employees in Southern Lebanon Mr. Abdul Latif Al-Tariqi, representatives from academic, educational, and social bodies, the ministry’s team, the Hariri Foundation’s Executive Director Dr. Rubina Abu Zeinab, and the foundation’s team.

Mrs. Bahia Hariri stated that "our meeting today amid these difficult, harsh, and worrying circumstances opens a window of hope for youth and allows us to anticipate upcoming challenges." She noted that "this agreement we are signing today will take Sidon as a model, but we will use it as a starting point to implement this project nationwide."

Hariri added that "today we are transitioning from education to empowering youth who will shape their future using smart tools," expressing pride in the partnership with the Ministry of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence and emphasizing the importance of networking across all sectors, which she described as more necessary than ever.

Minister Dr. Kamal Shehadeh praised the partnership with the Hariri Foundation, highlighting their shared belief in the potential of Lebanese youth and the importance of opening opportunities for them through training and empowerment. He stressed the significance of benefiting from the new economy based on artificial intelligence and not missing this opportunity.

The minister outlined the ministry’s achievements in this field, particularly regarding training through the "Nomo" platform and the establishment of the "Lebanese Network of Angel Investors," noting the fruitful interaction with these initiatives. He emphasized the need to enact legislation and laws that support the digital economy, reduce obstacles, establish institutions that facilitate its spread, and work with the private sector through such partnerships.

Minister Shehadeh expressed hope to soon expand this partnership with the Hariri Foundation from Sidon to cover all of Lebanon.

He concluded by stating that the ministry’s work is not limited to individual empowerment but also extends to the economy as a whole and municipalities, which receive significant attention.

Sidon’s Mayor Engineer Mustafa Hijazi described the meeting as sending "a great message of hope that despite the challenges and conditions Lebanon is going through, we speak of development and progress." He pointed out that "the biggest challenge the municipality faces today is managing crises while simultaneously working on development," reviewing the municipality’s efforts to update its structure, tasks, services, and facilities by integrating artificial intelligence across various fields of its work.

The memorandum of understanding between the foundation and the ministry aims to develop and implement joint initiatives and programs. These include spreading knowledge about artificial intelligence, promoting digital culture, organizing training programs and capacity-building activities targeting different age groups and professions, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and encouraging research and cooperation among academic institutions and various sectors. The goal is to employ evidence and knowledge to support Lebanon’s digital transformation.

The partnership also involves developing community initiatives to improve access to learning and qualification opportunities in artificial intelligence. This includes launching "Sidon as an AI-Aware City" as a model to bring knowledge and modern technologies closer to local communities, enabling youth to acquire future skills and actively participate in development and innovation. It also encompasses promoting responsible, inclusive, and human-centered use of artificial intelligence aligned with the principles of "AI for Good," harnessing technology to serve humanity and society and support achieving sustainable development goals.