The Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FIA) and the National Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics (INCI) at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), in collaboration with “Rethinking Lebanon,” orchestrated the “Digital Youth Leaders” international conference at the Jean Ducruet Auditorium on the Mar Roukoz Science and Technology Campus. The event, graced by the presence of Prof. Salim Daccache SJ, Rector of USJ, Prof. Wassim Raphaël, Dean of FIA, Prof. Marc Ibrahim, Director of INCI, along with USJ officials, political dignitaries, and key stakeholders including technology suppliers, industries, and universities, resonated with the pivotal participation of students.

Following a compelling call from Jihad el-Hokayem, Chairman of “Rethinking Lebanon,” to the Lebanese youth, hailed as “Lebanon’s primary and invincible force,” urging them to transform their plans to depart the country into a mission of excellence and renewal, Prof. Wassim Raphaël emphasized the profound significance of this gathering in our ever-evolving world. “Today,” he remarked, “we unite to celebrate the power and potential of young people in the digital age. Despite the challenging circumstances in our region, this conference is a testament to the resilience and determination of our global community, brought together to explore the frontiers of technology and innovation.”

The FIA Dean further underscored the remarkable capacity for innovation and enthusiasm exhibited by young leaders, positioning them at the forefront of the digital landscape. He elaborated on the conference’s comprehensive agenda, spanning crucial topics central to the digital revolution. The distinguished speakers delved into the captivating realms of artificial intelligence, the metaverse, robotics, cybersecurity, digital transformation, automation, and more. These discussions, far from being mere buzzwords, embody transformative forces reshaping industries, societies, and the very fabric of how we live and work.

According to Raphaël, it is crucial to acknowledge the profound connection between the discussed topics “and the diverse engineering and master’s programs within the FIA, notably the Master’s in AI. It is at the intersection of these cutting-edge subjects with our academic disciplines,” he observes, “that true innovation and transformation take root. The synergy between these subjects and our Faculty’s programs unfolds a realm of possibilities, preparing our students not just for the future but also for the present, where these technological forces are already in play.”

In a world where technology’s relentless advance is reshaping our reality with unprecedented speed, young people stand at the forefront of innovation and progress,” asserts Prof. Salim Daccache. This conference epitomizes our unwavering belief in the capacity of young visionaries to propel change, spark new ideas, and push the boundaries of what is conceivable. […] Our presence here extends beyond the exchange of knowledge; it is about creating a platform that inspires innovation and kindles the flames of leadership. Through dialogues, workshops, and connections, our goal is to harness the potential of AI for the betterment of humanity.”

“As we embark on this exhilarating journey,” the Rector addresses the young leaders of the digital age, “I encourage you to fully engage in networking and seize the learning opportunities that await you. The friendships you forge and the knowledge you acquire during this conference will undoubtedly shape your future. You are not just attendees at an event; you are the vanguard of the digital age and champions of AI. Your ideas, innovations, and leadership will propel us into an era of excellent possibilities.”

In the first session, Bakhos A. Tannous, Head of Neuro-Oncology Discovery at AstraZeneca and former Full Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, delved into the role of AI in research, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry. Jimmy Nassif, CTO of IDEALworks GmbH, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, posed thought-provoking questions about how synthetic data will revolutionize the industrial Metaverse in the second session.

The third session, moderated by Imad Bou-Hamad, Associate Professor of Statistics and Data Analysis, brought together experts in the field. Dany Mezher, Rector’s Delegate for IT Affairs, discussed the future of jobs in the AI era. Samer Abdallah, Board of Directors member and head of the ICT sector at KPMG, explored the development of a regulatory ecosystem conducive to innovation. Elie Zeidan, CPO-Managing Partner at Thidesoft, Potech, presented the theme of transforming digital and cyber risks, while Naji Bouhabib, CEO and founder of Mobile Technology Tomorrow “MT2” and apps2you, shared insights into innovation and entrepreneurship in media and communication. Saifedean Ammous, economist and author of The Bitcoin Standard, explored the intriguing relationship between Bitcoin and economic freedom during the fourth session.

Read also : Digital Youth Leaders à l’USJ
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