On April 23, the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (FBAE) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) launched the Connect360 conference, an international one-of-a-kind symposium featuring renowned scholars particularly the 1993 Nobel Laureate Sir Richard Roberts, Professor José-Maria Montero, President of the International Association of Applied Economics (ASEPELT) and Professor José-Ramon Calvo Fernandez, Chairman of the International Cooperation Institute at the Royal European Academy of Doctors. The Connect360 conference aimed at cultivating a collaborative research environment that prioritizes the role of individuals in shaping scholarly inquiry. By bringing together thought leaders, researchers, and professionals from diverse backgrounds, the conference sought to explore, discuss, and advance the principles of people-centric research, with a focus on social and human aspects.
Dr. Mirna Kordab, Chairperson of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, served as the MC of the symposium.
The conference kickstarted with an opening word by Dr. Viviane Naimy, Dean of the FBAE. In her address she emphasized the importance of humanizing research and fostering meaningful connections within FBAE. Despite the challenges faced since October 2019, she celebrated the remarkable achievements of the FBAE, including prestigious accreditations (AACSB, ACCA, and ASEPELT) and academic partnerships with institutions like Northeastern University and the Royal European Academy of Doctors. Dr. Naimy highlighted the outstanding research productivity of the FBAE faculty and welcomed esteemed speakers, including Nobel Laureate Sir Richard Roberts. She expressed gratitude to sponsors, organizers, and supporters, underscoring the commitment to humanizing all endeavors. Dr. Naimy urged attendees to forge new connections, inspire change, and strive for excellence, guided by empathy, compassion, and a desire for positive transformation.
As for NDU President Fr. Khoury, his address involved acknowledging the valuable attendance of prominent scholars and guest speakers. Fr. Khoury also recognized the current hardships and obstacles that arise when researchers seek to approach certain topics in an objective and impartial manner, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish factual from false information. As he briefly mentioned in his address, today’s main challenge lies not in simply finding ways to acquire knowledge but also in recognizing trustworthy and reliable sources of information. Fr. Khoury also ended his delivery by restating the huge role of the Connect360 conference in shaping academic fields, noting that its realization would never have been possible if it weren’t for the collaborative efforts of its organizers.
Following Fr. Khoury’s speech, guest speaker Professor José-Maria Montero took the stage to share his personal research journey and contributions, which he viewed as transformative and a moral obligation to his community and society at large. Prof. Montero concluded his address by introducing ASEPELT’s framework. ASEPELT, a reputable non-profit organization founded in 1986 in Madrid, brings together researchers, educators, professionals, and institutions interested in advancing scientific work in Applied Economics. With members from various universities and organizations across Spain and internationally, ASEPELT aims to organize, promote, and encourage scientific work in the field.
Professor Montero then awarded the ASEPELT certificate of Excellence to the BS Economics Program, to Dean Naimy and the President.
In his turn, Professor José Ramon Calco Fernandez expressed his gratitude for being among the event’s guest speakers. Underscoring the importance of research, Prof. Fernandez explored the role of leadership in advancing scientific breakthroughs. He also acknowledged the significance of innovation in driving leadership forward, stating that the lack of resources available renders it rather difficult to overcome its numerous challenges. Prof. Fernandez additionally insisted that fostering a culture of leadership and creativity requires consistency and rigorous efforts. He further urged the younger generation to actively call for the inclusion of elevated leadership standards within society. Prof Fernandez’s address was then followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal European Academy of Doctors.
Professors Montero and Fernandez received an appreciation award in recognition for their display of leadership and commendable research endeavors.
A trophy was also awarded to Mr. Doumit Zougheib, Chairman of Zougheib & Co., in recognition of his generous support to Connect360.
The second part of the conference subsequently celebrated the second Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) membership recognition ceremony of the FBAE excelling students. The BGS NDU Chapter President, Dr. Naimy, welcomed attendees on behalf of the Beta Gamma Sigma Board of Governors and Global Headquarters staff, highlighting the event as a celebration of the hard work and dedication of students and faculty. Last year's ceremony marked a milestone, acknowledging the achievements of 79 individuals and recognizing the FBAE Chapter as a high honor chapter worldwide. Gratitude was extended to chapter advisors Dr. Yara Harb and Mrs. Maya Rashed for their dedication. This year, 35 new members were welcomed, including faculty and students, with a recommitment to the values of Beta Gamma Sigma. The ceremony concluded with the acceptance of BGS principles and the distribution of certificates and lapel pins.
The third panel, moderated by Dr. Hasan Youness, featured diverse perspectives on humanizing research and innovation. Dr. Ghazi Asmar, Assistant Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at NDU, highlighted the importance of integrating people into research, particularly at NDU, emphasizing its potential for driving innovation. Dr. Riad Obegi, Chairman and General Manager of Banque BEMO SAL, proposed people-centric strategies to empower Lebanese economic recovery. Mr. Georges Fayad, General Manager of Unifert, discussed the challenges and prospects of oil prices in alignment with COP28. Dr. Jassem Ajaka, Researcher and Professor of Economics, delved into Lebanon's economic landscape amidst crises, while Mr. Rudy Shushani, Consultant specialized in Emerging Technology Strategy and Founder of Leading TECH Media Podcast, explored blockchain technology's potential for people-centric innovation through cryptocurrency. Lastly, Dr. Yahya Skaf, Assistant Professor at the FBAE-NDU, advocated for governmental support for startups as a means of poverty alleviation and job creation. Together, the panelists offered insights into fostering human-centric approaches to research and economic development in Lebanon.
The event’s concluding panel involved an intervention by Sir Richard Roberts, 1993 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine. As a Molecular Biologist credited for his discoveries of introns in eukaryotic DNA and “gene-splicing”, the Laureate weighed in with his findings on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Throughout the panel, Sir Roberts explained the countless benefits of GMOs for the achievement of global food security. He also went over some pioneering innovations and inventions in the field, citing few countries with regulations in favor of GMO production. By combining scientific expertise with practical insights, Sir Richard Roberts left the audience with a deeper understanding of the role GMOs can play in shaping the future of agriculture and ensuring food security for generations to come.
After Sir Roberts’ presentation, invitees and participants were called to visit the FBAE Research Gallery. This Research Gallery serves as a showcase of the academic achievements and ongoing projects within the FBAE. It provides a platform for faculty members to exhibit their research findings, innovations, and contributions to various fields of study. The gallery features posters, presentations, and interactive displays that highlight the depth and breadth of research conducted within the FBAE community. Visitors to the Research Gallery had the opportunity to engage with the latest advancements in business, economics, and related disciplines, fostering collaboration, discussion, and networking among researchers and industry professionals.