SDG 4: Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Lebanon has historically been known for its strong education system, with a high literacy rate and a well-established network of schools and universities. However, in recent years, the country has faced significant challenges in maintaining education quality due to the economic crisis, political instability, the Syrian refugee crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lebanon’s Approach to SDG 4: Ensuring Quality Education

Educational Challenges Amid Economic Crisis:

Lebanon’s prolonged economic crisis has had a severe impact on the education sector. Public schools have struggled with underfunding, teacher shortages, and a lack of essential resources. Many families, who once sent their children to private schools, can no longer afford tuition fees, leading to an increase in enrollment in already-overburdened public schools. The Lebanese government, through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), has been working to stabilize the education system, though resources remain limited.

Reaching All Children with Education (RACE) Initiative:

The RACE (Reaching All Children with Education) initiative, launched by MEHE in collaboration with international donors and organizations like UNICEF and the World Bank, aims to provide access to education for both Lebanese students and Syrian refugee children. Lebanon hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees per capita in the world, and many refugee children are integrated into the public school system. The RACE initiative focuses on ensuring that all children, regardless of nationality or background, have access to education.

Adapting to Online Education:

The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted Lebanon’s education system, forcing schools to shift to online learning. This transition highlighted significant inequalities, as many students, particularly those in rural areas and low-income families, lacked access to devices and reliable internet. The government, with the support of international organizations, launched several initiatives to provide tablets, laptops, and internet access to underprivileged students. Despite these efforts, the digital divide remains a significant challenge to ensuring equitable access to quality education.

Support from International Organizations:

Lebanon has relied heavily on international support to maintain its education system. The World Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO, and other international agencies have provided funding and resources to support both public education and higher education institutions. These organizations have also assisted with teacher training programs, school rehabilitation projects, and providing educational materials to schools.

Government Efforts Toward Curriculum Reform:

The Lebanese government is working on updating the national curriculum to make it more relevant to modern needs and international standards. The goal is to integrate critical thinking, digital literacy, and environmental education into the curriculum, equipping students with skills needed for the future. However, the process has been slow, particularly due to financial constraints and political challenges.

Addressing Equity in Education:

Lebanon’s education system is highly unequal, with private schools offering significantly better resources and facilities compared to public schools. The government is aware of these disparities and has been attempting to address them through targeted investments in public education, particularly in underserved regions. There are ongoing efforts to improve the quality of teaching in public schools and to ensure that vulnerable populations, including refugees and economically disadvantaged students, have access to quality education.

Beirut Arab University and SDG 4: Promoting Quality Education

Beirut Arab University (BAU) is one of Lebanon’s leading higher education institutions, playing a pivotal role in advancing SDG 4 through its academic programs, research, and commitment to community service. BAU is focused on providing quality education and contributing to national efforts to improve access to higher education for all.

Providing Access to Quality Higher Education:

BAU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring that students have access to high-quality education across various disciplines. The university is committed to maintaining academic excellence through well-structured curricula, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. BAU’s focus on quality education aligns directly with SDG 4, as it provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their professional and personal lives.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

In response to the growing economic challenges faced by students in Lebanon, BAU offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent deserving students from pursuing their education. The university provides need-based financial support, merit scholarships, and assistance to students affected by the economic crisis. These initiatives help ensure that education at BAU remains accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Inclusive and Equitable Learning Environment:

BAU is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students, regardless of gender, nationality, or economic background, have equal opportunities to succeed. The university promotes diversity and inclusion on campus, ensuring that students from underrepresented or vulnerable groups receive the support they need. BAU also accommodates students with disabilities by providing accessible facilities and support services, promoting equitable access to education.

Research and Innovation in Education:

BAU is actively involved in research that seeks to improve education quality in Lebanon. The university’s research centers focus on topics such as educational reform, curriculum development, and the integration of technology in education. By contributing to academic research in the field of education, BAU helps inform policy discussions and offers solutions to some of the challenges facing Lebanon’s education sector.

Teacher Training and Capacity Building:

BAU plays a crucial role in preparing future educators and improving the quality of teaching in Lebanon. The university offers teacher training programs that emphasize modern teaching methodologies, digital literacy, and student-centered learning approaches. By training skilled educators, BAU contributes to improving the overall quality of education in the country, particularly in public schools where teacher shortages and outdated teaching methods are prevalent.

Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning:

In line with SDG 4’s emphasis on lifelong learning, BAU is involved in various community engagement programs aimed at promoting education beyond the university campus. The university organizes workshops, seminars, and training sessions for professionals and community members on a wide range of topics, including digital skills, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship. These programs contribute to the development of a more educated and skilled society in Lebanon.

Partnerships with International Institutions:

BAU collaborates with international universities and organizations to enhance its academic programs and provide students with global learning opportunities. These partnerships include exchange programs, joint research projects, and collaborations on educational development initiatives. By fostering international collaboration, BAU contributes to the global exchange of knowledge and promotes a more interconnected and inclusive educational environment.

Lebanon faces significant challenges in achieving SDG 4 due to the economic crisis, political instability, and the pressures of hosting a large refugee population. Despite these obstacles, the government, through the Ministry of Education and international partnerships, continues to work on providing access to quality education for all, particularly through initiatives like RACE and efforts to reform the public education system.

Beirut Arab University plays a critical role in advancing SDG 4 by providing high-quality higher education, offering financial aid and scholarships, fostering an inclusive learning environment, and engaging in research and community service initiatives. BAU’s efforts to promote lifelong learning, improve teacher training, and support vulnerable students contribute to Lebanon’s broader goals of ensuring equitable and inclusive quality education for all.

BAU’s Open Doors

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Campus-Life/BAU%E2%80%99s-Open-Doors

High school students can experience life at BAU through our University open doors event. Every year, we invite students and schools to come to BAU and learn more about our academic programs, student life, student services and facilities.

This event gives students the chance to be face-to-face with BAU’s students and staff.

Students can obtain valuable information about admissions, entrance exams, financial aid, and more.

Additionally, students will be taken on tours around our campuses! Each year, we organize fun challenging activities for the visiting students.

Public Lectures:

Public lecture by Dr. Neveen Hamza - Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University, UK.

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Architecture-Design-and-Built-Environment/News/Public-lecture-by-Dr-Neveen-Hamza-Senior-Lecturer-at-Newcastle-University-UK-

The Faculty of Architecture – Design & Built Environment, Tripoli Campus organized a mini - workshop on 27 February 2020 and a public lecture by Dr. Neveen Hamza - Senior Lecturer in Architecture and the Director of MSc Advanced Architectural Design - Sustainable Buildings & Environment at Newcastle University, UK.

The public lecture was entitled “Hot Air: Changing approaches towards an Architecture of well-being” and the workshop entitled “Daylighting - Velux daylight visualizer software simulation”.

The lecture focused on the legacy of architectural design developments, and at how and why approaches to ‘hot air’ have changed moving on from the vernacular situated architecture to the technological fix era to human wellbeing as determinates of good quality architecture. While the workshop focused on the role of daylighting in Architecture and human well-being. The simulation software program of Velux daylight visualizer was employed for daylighting analyses case study.

Rashid Karami International Fair Modern World Heritage in Danger What's Next! Public Lecture at Beirut Arab University

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Rashid-Karami-International-Fair-Modern-World-Heritage-in-Danger-What-s-Next-Public-Lecture-at-Beirut-Arab-University

Public-lecture-by-Dr-Neveen-Hamza-Senior-Lecturer-at-Newcastle-University-UK-

The Faculty of Architecture - Design and the Built Environment at Beirut Arab University, Tripoli Branch, held a lecture on the Rashid Karami International Fair - Modern World Heritage in Danger - What Next!, by the President of the Niemeyer Foundation for Heritage in Tripoli and Professor of Architecture at the Lebanese University, Dr. Wassim Naghi, and organized by Dr. Khaled El-Daghar, Associate Professor of Architecture at the Faculty, within the “Cooperation Project in the Field of Urban Management and Regional Development”, in partnership with the United Cities Association of Lebanon / Technical Office of Lebanese Municipalities, the Municipality of Tripoli, the Municipality of Zgharta/Ehden, and in cooperation with the Union of Municipalities of Dunkirk and the Agency for Urban Planning and Development for the Flanders Region - Dunkirk (AGUR) - France, the French National Union of Urban Planning Agencies (FNAU), and the Port of Dunkirk with support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

At the beginning, the Associate Professor at the Faculty, Dr. Khaled Al-Daghar, welcomed the audience, emphasizing the joint cooperation between universities, municipalities, governmental and non-governmental institutions and civil society organizations to support and build a common strategic vision for development plans and manage the development of new local development projects.
The Director of Tripoli Branch, Dr. Hani Shaarani, also noted that the University works with all local and international partners to achieve social, economic, cultural and urban development. The Rachid Karami International Fair complex is a national and global wealth that shall be preserved and continuously developed because it is a unique investment opportunity. It can also play an active role in the development of the region if is exploited effectively.”
The Mayor of Tripoli, Engineer Ahmed Kamareddine, spoke about the framework of the Rachid Karami International Fair Competition, which is part of the Tripoli Municipality's cooperation project with the Municipality of Zgharta/Ehden and French partners through the establishment of the Urban Planning and Regional development Agency for Abou Ali River Basin(AUDETA).
Mr. Ghassan Tayoun, a member and representative of the Zgharta/ Ehden Municipality Council, then reviewed the Agency's plan and objectives, which began in 2017 with the assistance of French planning agencies, taking into account all the development capabilities of the areas on the Abou Ali River Basin, which has an umbrella symbol and expands along 480 square kilometers.
Dr. Wasim Nagy started his lecture with a historical overview and brief definitions about the idea of Lebanon's permanent international exhibition in Tripoli, which began at the end of the 1950s. He, then, followed it by a comprehensive explanation of all stages and the impact of the civil war on the fair in general and the subsequent disruption of Lebanon's decision makers during the attempt to reinvigorate what has become known since the mid-1990s as the Rashid Karami International Fair in Tripoli.
Dr. Nagy continued that the death of architect Oscar Niemeyer in 2012 was the starting point for ongoing outreach and awareness activities and campaigns with a group of heritage professionals and activists to demonstrate the cultural value of the fair and its economic role, culminating in its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in January 2023.
At the end, a discussion was moderated with attendees about their vision for the Rashid Karami International Fair as a promising facility for Tripoli in specific and for Lebanon and the region in general.

Public Lecture

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Engineering/Event/Public-Lecture

A public lecture was held for the Engineering students mainly the Chemical and Petroleum department students on Thursday 19/10/2023.

Lecturer: Jesse El Aayi (Petroleum Engineer from the Colorado School of Mines, Colorado, USA)

Topic: Viability of Microfluidics as a rapid chemical EOR screening method for oilfields.

The event was organized in collaboration by the students’ societies SPE and AIChE.

Public Lecture By Dr. Osama Omar

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Architecture-Design-and-Built-Environment/Event/Public-Lecture-By-Dr-Osama-Omar

The Faculty of Architectural Engineering, Beirut Arab University, is taking steps towards internationality. After obtaining RIBA I accreditation and sending its staff to participate in international conferences and public lectures.
Dr. Osama Omar had been invited to give a public lecture under title ‘ Nanoarchitecture Future Housing’ in Jordan Housing Developers Association, Amman, Jordan which was held between the 4th and the 7th of April 2015.
The lecture focus on the role of Nanotechnology in Architecture to reach Future Housing by produce new materials that have new properties, which help to protect indoor spaces and built new trends of architecture called Nanoarchitecture which friendly for environment.

Public Lecture: "Photovoltaic Market in Lebanon, Opportunities and Barriers"

The Faculty of Architectural Engineering cordially invites you to attend a lecture presentation titled:

"Photovoltaic Market in Lebanon, Opportunities and Barriers"
Lecturer: Mr. Rabih Osta

Lecture Content: 

The lecture presentation will explore the key facts in Lebanon regarding renewable energy and solar systems' application. Driving initiatives for Photovoltaic (PV) projects are illustrated and barriers facing their implementation are discussed. Mr. Osta, the Area General Manager of Phoenix Energy, will highlight the significance and the challenges of Phoenix Energy mega PV installation: The Beirut River Solar Snake (BRSS). He will discuss the synchronization between PV generators, fossil fuel generators, and the Lebanese electricity network. Finally, a comparison between on-grid and off-grid systems is held.
The lecture will take place on Tuesday October, 27 at 2 PM in Room A203 Architecture Building (Debbieh).

Public Lecture-Mirko Baselgia: Insight into my art Works. A Small Introduction in Pictures

Thursday 11 February 2016 at 12:00 PM
Omar Houry Hall, Faculty of Architectural Engineering
Beirut Arab University
Debbieh Campus

Building Information Modelling in Environmental Design

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Architecture-Design-and-Built-Environment/Event/Buiding-Information-Modelling-in-Environmental-Design

Public Lecture By

Dr. Rokia Reslan

Leccturer I Building Performance Simulation

Wednesday, 27th of April , 2016 12:30 PM

Omar Houri Main Auditorium

Debbieh Campus

During her visit at BAU Dr Raslan, Lecturer in Building Performance Simulation at the Bartlett, University College London, presented a public lecture titled "Building Information Modelling in Environmental Design" which discussed of the use of BIM in architectural design practice, in particular in reference to energy efficiency of buildings. The topics covered during her lecture stemmed from her ongoing research in the field and included the core concepts and structures of what defines BIM, data generation and sharing, the impact of its application on the design process and the interoperability of BIM systems. To illustrate the importance of BIM, a number of case studies in regards to its particular use in energy modelling and environmental design were discussed within the wider scope of the use of computer modelling techniques in a collaborative multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) environments.

Public lecture at the Order of engineers – Tripoli

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Architecture-Design-and-Built-Environment-Tripoli/Event/Public-lecture-at-the-Order-of-engineers-Tripoli

The lecture focused on zero energy buildings and divided into three main parts: Part one: was presented by Dr Yathreb Sabsaby and focused on a review of the energy situation in Lebanon, and assesses the current standard that addresses the energy efficiency in Lebanese building sector. By applying the “DCBA” or the “four variants” method, three energy model will be developed. The “D” model that represents the energy benchmark for the Lebanese residential building stock. The “C&B” model, an improved model that will be created by applying the previous Local energy efficient initiatives. In the final part, the “A” model will be created based on the Zero Energy building practices that could fit the local context in Tripoli city. Part two: presented by Dr. Ali Sedki and focused on the haphazard utilization of prototypical social housing in Egyptian climate conditions. Hence, it presents the results of applying a combined strategy of user-based behavioral solution of natural ventilation and building envelope retrofitting with external insulation based on local materials to improve indoor thermal comfort without any mechanical cooling or heating systems. Part three: presented by Eng. Riad El-Abed and focused on a Simulation case study of Energy model for a Building situated in Tripoli. 13 Simulations was choosen to check the energy saving between the Conventional Building and Zero Energy Building depend on Tripoli Weather and similar Coastal Cities. Then an Economical Study was presented to prioritize the 13 simulation for energy Measures conservation of economical point view.

Public Events:

8Th Graduate Open House

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Graduate/Event/8Th-Graduate-Open-House

Discover Your Future at BAU's 8th Graduate Open House!

Join us this year at the 8th Graduate Open House event hosted by Beirut Arab University. Explore our wide range of graduate programs across the 10 Faculties, learn about the application process, admission requirements, financial aid, support services and other relevant information.

The event features an informative presentation on BAU's programs and facilities, followed by interactive information stands where you can meet Faculty members and get your questions answered.

Save the date and don't miss this opportunity to shape your academic journey. Join us at BAU's 8th Graduate Open House and discover the path to your future success!

For further information:

Tel: +961 1 300110 Ext: 2586

E-mail: gradstudies@bau.edu.lb

BAU, the Faculty of Architecture - Design and Built Environment participated in designing and coordinating a MOOC

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/BAU-the-Faculty-of-Architecture-Design-and-Built-Environment-participated-in-designing-and-coordinating-a-MOOC

BAU, the Faculty of Architecture - Design and Built Environment participated in designing and coordinating a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) entitled

“Healthy Urban Systems” in the University of Lausanne.

BAU is preparing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on “Healthy Urban Systems” with the International Science Council (ISC), International Society for Urban Health (ISUH), World Health Organization (WHO) and about 25 other professionals and practitioners, and organizations invited and supported by University of Lausanne (UNIL) using “Coursera” platform.

Prof. Ibtihal Y. El-Bastawissi, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture - Design and Built Environment at BAU, was invited from the Institute of Geography and Sustainability (IGD) University of Lausanne Switzerland to work on the MOOC Healthy Urban Systems. Prof. Ibtihal is the main coordinator of Module 1 among six Modules of the MOOC. She began the shootings of the videos in Module 1 with the technical team in the University of Lausanne UNIL from the 24th of April till the 28th of April 2022.

During their stay in Lausanne, they attended the University of Lausanne along with the main coordinator of this project Prof. Celine Rozenblat, Professor of Urban Geography at the University of Lausanne who is specialized in urban complex systems, and is working on maintaining the consistency of all the MOOC Modules, and accordingly developing its contents. The coordinators managed to work on the different sequences in Module 1 in order to meet its overall aim, and the whole storyline of the MOOC.

Healthy Urban Systems MOOC is a first Massive Open Online Course on Urban Health Systems. It is free of charge to access all course materials on a 24-hour online platform, for a duration of twelve weeks. This MOOC gives the opportunity to develop an extensive global network with other students and professionals from all around the world, to expand the knowledge about the concepts and tools of Healthy Urban Systems.

The following are the 6 Modules in “Healthy Urban Systems” MOOC course:

- Module 1 proposes a multidisciplinary framework for Urban Health Systems. It is the Introductory Module explaining how the different lessons of all Modules provide a broad perspective to the storyline of Healthy Urban Systems.

- Module 2 concerns Observing / Measuring and Representing urban health systems

- Module 3 is about Conceptual and theoretical frameworks to conceive models of urban health systems

- Module 4 provides Tools for modelling urban health systems

- Module 5 explains how to create Scenario Design for adapting urban health systems

- Module 6 will give advices in Policies and governance for prevention and resilience of urban health systems

Dr. Sami Sabbagh signed his book At Beirut Arab University

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Dr-Sami-Sabbagh-signed-his-book-At-Beirut-Arab-University

Under the patronage of Professor Amr Galal El Adawi, President of Beirut Arab University, and the invitation of Professor Ibtihal Yousef Al-Bastawissi, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban Environment, the University hosted a book signing ceremony for Dr. Sami Sabbagh entitled:
Discourse Between Heritage and Contemporary Architectural Movements in Arab Cities- The Case of Riyadh

In the presence of Professor Amr Galal El-Adawi, President of the University, and Dr. Omar Houri, General Secretary, and the deans of faculties and faculty members of the Faculty of Architecture and a crowd of architects.

Professor El Adawi, President of the University, talked about Dr. Sabbagh, who is a visiting professor at Beirut Arab University, as a practicing architect and researcher in the fields of architecture, urban design, heritage conservation and project management, and he is a member of the arbitration committees of various prestigious universities of architecture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
He continued: “Dr. Sabbagh's field of expertise includes heritage conservation, restoration, renovation of ancient cities, modern architectural and parametric intervention inspired by traditional norms, and sustainable urban planning, where these diverse skills are presented in a series of award-winning projects that were implemented”.

Dr. Sami al-Sabbagh then said thanking the university for hosting the signing ceremony then he pointed to the objectives of the book in addressing the questions about the role of architectural/urban interventions in focusing on unique identities. The book also stated that architecture is still able to express the merits of culture and identity, integrate innovation and contribute to improving the living environment in addition to reject the ideology that individual identity is no longer associated with tradition, social cohesion, societal memory or place.

"Dr. Sabbagh added: “The book contains a discussion on the idea of producing a modern contemporary architectural design and culturally rooted taking the city of Riyadh as a reference for applying this thought. It also concludes with a methodology for more possibilities of innovation and development that is not only the case of the study but can be disseminated to any time and place.
At the end of the ceremony Dr. Sami Sabbagh signed his book to attendees.

Online public seminar in collaboration with University of Leeds(UK)

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Architecture-Design-and-Built-Environment/Event/Online-public-seminar-in-collaboration-with-University-of-Leeds-UK-

Faculty of Architecture- Design and Built Environment, Beirut Arab University (BAU) in its second collaboration with University of Leeds (UK) are inviting you to the online public seminar ‘Building Capacity & Designing Participatory Approaches to Preserve Cultural Heritage by the Youth’ as a part of the funded project with the title ‘ (Re)contextualizing contested heritage project’, #ReConHeritage, funded by Research England GCRF.

Date: 30th of May (Saturday)

Time: starting from 11:00 am to 14:30

link: please email us at n.mohareb@bau.edu.lb to join via Zoom