“In a contemporary world where Beirut is thought of as the Paris of the Middle East - it is time to look local and make Lebanon, the Lebanon of the world.”
— Sarah El-Abd, The Phoenix Daily Editor-in-Chief
International community's reaction after August 4: Rehabilitating universities impacted by the port blast
Albert Geokgeuzian Staff Writer and Cherly Abou Chabke, Featured Writer
The Beirut Port explosion damaged more than 200 schools, 32 universities, and 20 TVET centers, and therefore resulted in diminishing or excluding access to education for over 85,000 children and youth all over the country. The Lebanese University (LU), Saint Joseph University (USJ), and American University of Beirut (AUB) that were affected by the damages receive support from the international community as part of the “Li-Beirut” initiative. On June 10th, 2021, UNESCO held a press conference to announce the launch of its partnership with the Lebanese University (LU), Saint Joseph University (USJ), and American University of Beirut (AUB) with the support of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE). The aim is to rehabilitate university buildings damaged by the port explosion on August 4th, 2020. This project is implemented in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation, with the help of the Qatar Fund for Development, and is part of UNESCO’s “Li Beirut” initiative.