RHU proudly marked a milestone in its institutional journey with the Inaugural Launch of the Board of International Advisors (BIA), a strategic initiative designed to expand RHU’s global reach, strengthen academic excellence, and shape the university’s role in regional and international dialogue.
The ceremony opened with the Lebanese National Anthem and the RHU Alma Mater, followed by a welcome address that set the tone for the occasion. In her remarks, the Master of Ceremonies and Director of Communication, Ms. Rafal Tabbaa, described the event as more than the formation of an advisory body, it was "the beginning of a bold and global chapter in RHU’s story," deeply rooted in the legacy of the University’s founder, the late H.E. Prime Minister Martyr Rafik Hariri, and the continued leadership of Mrs. Nazek Rafik Hariri, Chairperson of the RHU Board of Trustees.
The event was graced by the presence of prominent dignitaries and guests, including Mr. Ahmad Mahmoud, representing the Minister of Displaced, Dr. Kamal Shehade, Mrs. Raya El Hassan, former Minister of Interior and Finance and Chairperson of BankMed, Mr. Nazih Shamma, representing the Ambassador of Palestine, Dr. Raed Sharafeddine, Former First Vice-Governor of Banque du Liban, Mr. Fadi Al Masri, President of the Bar Association, BOT Trustees Mr. Ahmad Hijazi, Mr. Fadi Fawaz, and Dr. Farah Tamim, Dr. Nassib Ghobril, Chief Economist and the Head of Economic Research and Analysis Department at Byblos Bank, Mr. Fayez Bizri, President of Al-Makassed Association, Saida, Mr. Ali Abdallah, President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, Dr. Wissam Fahed, President of the Entrepreneur Organization – Lebanon Chapter, alongside leading economists, business figures, legal professionals, and educators.
RHU President, Dr. Said Ladki, honoured for his visionary leadership in founding the BIA delivered a compelling keynote address outlining the strategic goals of this new chapter. Dr. Ladki read a heartfelt message from Mrs. Nazek Rafik Hariri, reaffirming her unwavering support and vision for the university’s future.
“This is a glorious day for RHU and Lebanon,” Dr. Ladki declared. “Today, we celebrate more than the launch of a Board; we celebrate a national commitment to rebuilding through education, through excellence, and service. The BIA is a call to unite global leaders with a shared vision to give back, to empower, and to inspire the next generation. At its core, the Board stands for transformation: of institutions, of students’ lives, and a nation’s future. The assembled advisors, whether present or joining us from across the globe, bring not only expertise but a spirit of honouring the legacy of our founder, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. We are ready to share knowledge, provide guidance, and open doors of opportunity, hand in hand with our students, faculty, and community.”
Dr. Ladki introduced the BIA Members, starting with BIA Chairperson, Dr. Elie Antoine Samia, CEO and Managing Partner, Altitude for Educational Management, Mr. Antoine Souma, Managing Partner of Galliott Capital Advisors, Mr. Pascal Mouawad, Co-owner of the House of Moawad, Ms. Rita Betinjaneh, Community Developer and Business Leader, Mr. Rabih Al Haber, Founder and Managing Director, Statistics Lebanon Ltd., Mr. Douglas Jihad, Scientist and Entrepreneur, Judge Pierre Francis, Community Judge, Ms. Marguerite Choueiry Bazerli, Executive Director- Wealth Manager.
The program also included an inspiring presentation by the Chair of the BIA, Dr. Elie Samia, whose leadership has been central to the Board’s vision. In his remarks, Dr. Samia shared the strategic direction of the BIA and emphasized that its mission aligns with Martyr Rafik Hariri’s enduring belief in education as a transformative force. He underscored that every member has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their background, highlighting the Board’s inclusive, expertise-driven approach. Dr. Samia also shared initial plans and initiatives the BIA aims to pursue and pay tribute to both Martyr Rafik Hariri and Mrs. Nazek Rafik Hariri, whose vision continues to inspire RHU’s mission and trajectory.
The official signing of the BIA Charter by Dr. Ladki and Dr. Samia served as a defining moment, symbolizing the Board’s commitment to RHU’s mission of connecting locally, influencing regionally, and leading globally.
All distinguished BIA members participated in the event, either in person or through recorded messages. Mr. Pascal Mouawad and Mr. Jihad Douglas shared thoughtful recorded remarks, highlighting their belief in the transformative power of education. Live addresses were delivered by Ms. Rita Betinjaneh, Mr. Rabih Al Haber, and Ms. Marguerite Choueiry Bazerli, each offering personal insights into the importance of academic leadership, global collaboration, and social impact.
The event concluded with a message of gratitude and unity, reaffirming RHU’s 25-year legacy of transformative education and its future-driven vision. In the words of the Master of Ceremonies: “This is more than a beginning; it is a call to action, a promise to our students and our world, and a celebration of the legacy that unites us.”
The Board of International Advisors stands as a living testament to RHU’s enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and global engagement.