On the occasion of the International Mother Language Day, the Public Relations and Communications Department at Beirut Arab University organized the 12th Arabic speech competition after a forced absence for several years due to the coronavirus pandemic and the economic and security crises that followed, the competition was held at Beirut campus under the auspices of the Businessmen Federation for Support and Development (IRADA).
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bir Wal Ihsan and Chairman of the University Board of Trustees Dr. Ammar Houry, President of the University of Balamand Dr. Elias Warak, represented by Dr. Hanna Al-Nekkat, President of the Lebanese American University Professor Michel Moawad represented by Dr. Vahid Behmardi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kaslik Professor Pascal Demian, represented by Dr. Edmon Bou Dagher, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Université La Sagesse Professor Shadi Saad, President of the Businessmen Federation for Support and Development(IRADA), Engineer Abdel Samih Al Sharif, President of the Lebanese Council of Women, Ms. Adla Seblini, represented by Mrs. Makboula Kais, Mrs Mona Bawarshi, and the participation of the President of Beirut Arab University, Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, Secretary-General Dr. Omar Houri, Deans, Director of Public Relations and Communications Ms. Zina Ariss and a large crowd of students, parents of the contestants and interested audience attended the event.
This year's competition focussed on three titles: Artificial Intelligence and the Dangers on the Development of Generations, Citizenship between Right and Duty, Is the human being an enemy for the environment? 19 participants competed representing Beirut Arab University, Lebanese University, Tripoli University, American University of Beirut, Université Saint Joseph, Antonine University, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Balmand University, Lebanese American University, Lebanese International University and Université La Sagesse.
The jury was composed of Ms. Najat Sharafeddine, the poet Mr. Zahi Wehbe, and the Professor of Arabic Language and Literature Mr. Elias Kattar.
After the Lebanese national anthem and the university anthem, a video film related to the event was presented. Then Ms. Rima Chehab presented the competition saying "The mother tongue plays a vital role in shaping the identity of individuals and communities. Its mastery contributes to transmitting cultural heritage, values and beliefs from generation to the other. It also plays an essential role in shaping the ideology of societies and help preserve their heritage, literature and science. "
In his speech, Prof. Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, President of Beirut Arab University, noted that “The Arabic Language is the language that unites us, the language of our heritage, culture and identity. That is why we emphasize the importance of preserving and appreciating it and transmitting it to future generations. Through this competition, we celebrate the rich linguistic heritage and seek to create a platform for the creativity and appreciation of our students’ skills.”
Every student presented his oral speech without exceeding five minutes, then the President distributed the University Medals to all the contestants. The winners were also awarded with prizes as follows:
- The first prize, $1,000, was awarded to Elsie Al Bazzal from Antonine University.
- The second prize, $500, was awarded to Banan Nasreddine from Lebanese American University.
- The third prize, $250, was awarded equally to Karim Al Awar from Beirut Arab University and Elena Abdo from Saint Joseph University.
The President also honored the jury by granting them the University's Shield as a sign of appreciation and recognition of their achievements.
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