Faithful to its vocation as a space for dialogue, reflection and openness to the major issues of our time, Saint Joseph University of Beirut welcomed on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Faculty of Medicine, Mr. François Fillon, former Prime Minister of the French Republic and President of the association Agir pour la paix avec les chrétiens d’Orient, for a discussion meeting dedicated to Lebanon and the contemporary challenges facing the Middle East.

Organized in a spirit of exchange and reflection, the meeting brought together students, professors, members of the University community, and figures from the academic and diplomatic worlds. Moderated by Prof. Carla Eddé, Vice-Rector for International Relations at USJ and Representative of the President of the Republic to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, it gave rise to an extensive dialogue with students from the Faculty of Law and Political Science and the Department of History-International Relations at the Faculty of Humanities Ramez G. Chagoury.

In his welcoming speech, the Rector of USJ, Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, welcomed Mr. Fillon, who was visiting the University for the third time. He recalled the resilience demonstrated by the institution in the face of the successive crises Lebanon has endured, while highlighting the progress made in recent years in teaching, research and international outreach. “Far from simply enduring and waiting for better days, USJ has never stopped taking risks, innovating and creating, demonstrating boldness and dynamism in order to continue fulfilling its mission in the service of all,” he declared.

The Rector also highlighted the University’s role in promoting the Francophonie, academic excellence and citizenship, recalling that USJ, with its 12,000 students and more than 150 years of history, remains one of the oldest and most important Christian universities in the Middle East. Referring to the mission of the association Agir pour la paix avec les chrétiens d’Orient, Prof. Boëdec stressed that “the pursuit of peace must remain the absolute objective,” emphasizing the importance of preserving the conditions for peaceful and lasting coexistence in the region.

Taking the floor next, Mr. François Fillon spoke of his long-standing attachment to Lebanon, a country he has regularly visited for many years. Looking back on his career and the many responsibilities he has held, notably as Minister of Higher Education and later as Prime Minister, he recalled the historic ties between France and Lebanon, as well as his commitment to the Christians of the East. In particular, he spoke of the circumstances that led him to establish the association Agir pour la paix avec les chrétiens d’Orient in 2017, whose activities gradually evolved toward humanitarian and educational support, particularly in Lebanon, through donations and efforts to raise awareness of the universal dimension of this cause.

During his speech, Mr. Fillon also shared his reflections on contemporary geopolitical transformations, the challenges facing Lebanon and the Middle East, as well as the necessity, in his opinion, of preserving the conditions for dialogue and pluralism. In particular, he stressed the importance of the Lebanese model of coexistence, considering that “demonstrating that it is possible for Christians, Muslims and all religions to coexist within the same State” carries significance far beyond Lebanon’s borders.

The discussions with the students addressed several topics, including Franco-Lebanese relations, the place of Christians of the East in contemporary societies, France’s role in Lebanon, issues related to youth and emigration, as well as the economic, institutional and educational challenges the country continues to face.

Asked about Lebanon’s priorities, Mr. Fillon stressed the importance of economic recovery and the restoration of institutions, which he considers essential conditions for providing opportunities for young people and encouraging the return of those who have left the country.

The meeting continued with several contributions from the audience, reflecting the interest generated by the issues discussed and a shared attachment to the values of coexistence and openness.

At the end of the evening, the Rector presented Mr. François Fillon with the book dedicated to the heritage of Saint Joseph University of Beirut, published on the occasion of its 150^th anniversary under the direction of Prof. Christian Taoutel.

Through this meeting, USJ reaffirms its vocation as a place for debate and reflection, faithful to its mission of educating enlightened and engaged citizens capable of contributing to the construction of a future founded on knowledge, dialogue and peace.

Also read: Le Liban, la paix et la coexistence : François Fillon à l’USJ