Under the High Patronage of His Excellency,
The President of the Republic of Lebanon

General Joseph AOUN

The Lebanese Executives Council (LEC) proudly announces
the “Smart Government: Diaspora Experts for Lebanon” conference

Days
Hours
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Organized by

Diaspora Experts for Lebanon

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Individuals wishing to attend the conference are invited to submit an application for participation through the official platform.

About us

This conference seeks to harness the expertise of the Lebanese diaspora by fostering strategic connections with public and private sector leaders in Lebanon. Through focused dialogue and collaboration on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, the initiative aims to catalyze innovation, strengthen institutional capacity, and support Lebanon’s development in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

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Conference Schedule

Hover over to take a look at the conference agenda schedule

08:00 am - 09:15 am

Registration 

Registration 

Opening MC Word

National Anthem

Video Screening

09:15 am - 10:00 am

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony

Organizer Welcome: 
Mr. Rabih El-Amine

Academic Partner Keynote:
Dr. Chaouki Abdallah

Digital Cooperation Organization:
Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui 

President of the Republic Speech: H.E. General Joseph Aoun

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Panel 1

Smart Government

Moderator:
Ms. Rima Maktabi

Public Sector Representative: Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Dr. Fadi Makki, Mr. Tony Frangieh

Private Sector Representative: Mr. Paul Hussein Tauk

Diaspora Expert:
Mr. Feras El Hajjar, 
Mr. Jad Bitar,
Ms. Maya Ayoub

11:30 am - 01:00 pm

Panel 2

Collaborating with the Private Sector for Economic Growth and Efficiency

Moderator:
Mrs. Leila Dagher

Public Sector Representative: Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Mr. Amer Bisat, Dr. Mazen Soueid, Dr. Ghada Ayoub

Private Sector Representative: 
Dr. Nabil Fahed

Diaspora Expert:
Mr. Charles Nahas,
Mr. Mohamad Alem

01:30 pm - 03:00 pm

Panel 3

Public Sector Reform through Digital Transformation

Moderator:
Ms. Mahassen Moursel

Public Sector Representative:
Mr. Ahmad Al Hajjar,
Dr. Fadi Makki, Mr. Nicolas Sehnaoui

Private Sector Representative:
Dr. Yousef Asfour

Diaspora Expert :
Mr. Bilal Hmedeh
Mr. Wissam Achmar 
Mr.Nizar Honeini

Closing Speech

Closing Speech:
Dr. Nawaf Salam - Prime Minister of Lebanon.

Speakers & What we’ll be Talking About

The topics that we will be discussing

Opening Ceremony

General Joseph AOUN

President of the Republic of Lebanon

Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui

Director General – Digital Cooperation Organization

Dr. Chaouki Abdallah

President of the Lebanese American University (LAU)

Organizer Welcome

Rabih El-Amine, a Communications expert with over 30 years in media and marketing communications, serves as President of the Lebanese Executive Council (LEC). Since 2019, he has expanded LEC to over 200 members, fostering connections among Lebanese professionals worldwide. His vision emphasizes enhancing relationships and opportunities to drive economic growth and cultural exchange. Additionally, Rabih El-Amine is the founder and CEO of Alef, a prominent communications agency in Saudi Arabia, renowned for its industry-leading services.

Mr. Rabih El-Amine

President of the Lebanese Executive Council (LEC)

Smart Government

Guiding topics: Status of National Digital Transformation Strategy ( Data Center / Super APP/ Anti corruption )

Public Sector Representative

Minister of State for Information , Technology, and AI

Dr. Kamal Shehadi

Public Sector Representative

Minister of State for Administrative Reform

Dr. Fadi Makki

Public Sector Representative

Member of the Parliament

Mr. Tony Frangieh

Private Sector Representative

Paul Hussein Tauk is Neumann and Siliconcedars' founder and CEO. He is a veteran of 32 years in software architecture and programming. He specializes in advanced data analytics, AI, and silicon design, serving Synopsys, a global leader in Electronic Design Automation.

Mr. Paul Hussein Tauk

Diaspora Expert

Feras El Hajjar is the Founder & CEO of Lexzur and Founder & Chairman of Infosysta Group, leading innovation in AI, LegalTech, and Digital Transformation across EMEA and globally. With extensive multinational experience spanning Paris, London, Singapore, Dublin, Beirut, Cairo, Riyadh, and Dubai, he has built world-class technology companies serving over 500 enterprises and clients in 67 countries. A recognized expert in business transformation and AI-driven solutions, Feras is also a prominent speaker and contributor in Agile, LegalTech, and Digital Transformation forums.

Mr. Feras El Hajjar

Diaspora Expert

Jad Bitar is a Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Riyadh, with over 30 years of experience across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. He specializes in public and private sector transformations, focusing on health system digitalization, governance, and large-scale reform. At BCG, he has led major initiatives across the GCC, driving sustainable impact through strategic planning, digital innovation, and streamlined operations. Jad holds advanced degrees in Administration, Management, Finance, and Applied Mathematics.

Mr. Jad Bitar

Diaspora Expert

Women in Tech® Saudi Arabia Country Director

Ms. Maya Ayoub

Moderator

London Bureau Chief at Al Arabiya News Channel

Mrs. Rima Maktabi

Collaborating with the Private Sector for Economic Growth and Efficiency

Guiding topics: Economic benefits | Private Public Partnership | National MITAI strategy in Lebanon.

Public Sector Representative

Minister of State for Information , Technology, and AI

Dr. Kamal Shehadi

Public Sector Representative

Amer Bisat, PhD., is Minister of Economy and Trade for the Republic of Lebanon.  Dr. Bisat began his career as a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund. In 1998, he moved to a career in international financial markets taking on senior portfolio management positions at Morgan Stanely, UBS and BlackRock. Dr. Bisat taught graduate level economics courses at Columbia University. He co-authored a book on globalization, and multiple academic and policy papers. He was the chairman of the Arab Banking Association of North America.  Dr. Bisat earned a BA from the American University of Beirut and a PhD. in economics and finance from Columbia University

Mr. Amer Bisat

Public Sector Representative

Dr. Mazen Soueid is the Chairman General Manager of IDAL. Previously he was the economic advisor to the Lebanese Prime Minister and President of the Productive Sectors Committee of the Economic Social Council of the Lebanese Republic. Dr. Soueid holds a PhD in Economics from Brown University in Providence RI. Earlier in his career he was an economist at Deutsche Bank in London and New York and at the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC. Dr. Soueid also lectured at the Economics Department at the American University of Beirut.

Dr. Mazen Soueid

Public Sector Representative

Member of the Parliament

Dr.Ghada Ayoub

Private Sector Representative

Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce , Industry , and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon

Dr.Nabil Fahed

Diaspora Expert

Regional General Manager, Commercial Solutions, Middle East

Mr. Charles Nahas

Diaspora Expert

Senior Parnter Alem & Associates

Mr. Mohamad Alem

Moderator

Dr. Leila Dagher

Public Sector Reform through Digital Transformation

Guiding Topics: Status of National Digital Transformation Strategy ( Data Center / Super APP/ Anti Corruption )

Public Sector Representative

Minister of Interior

H.E Brigadier General Ahmad Al Hajjar 

Public Sector Representative

Minister of State for Administrative Reform

Dr. Fadi Makki

Public Sector Representative

Member of the Parliament

Mr. Nicolas Sehnaoui

Private Sector Representative

Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer - American University of Beirut

Dr. Yousef Asfour 

Diaspora Expert

Bilal HMEDEH is a senior executive and board member with 15+ years of leadership in digital transformation across the GCC. He serves as Executive Vice President and shareholder at Intalio, a global leader in enterprise solutions. With over 100 successful projects, he is a trusted advisor to governments and corporations. Bilal holds an Executive MBA from HEC Paris and is passionate about empowering future leaders.

Mr. Bilal Hmedeh

Diaspora Expert

Wissam Achmar is a seasoned leader in digital transformation and information management across the Middle East. With extensive experience enabling government and enterprise sectors to modernize their data ecosystems securely and efficiently, he brings unique insights into building scalable, citizen-centric digital platforms.

Mr. Wissam Achmar

Diaspora Expert

Partner Roland Berger

Mr.Nizar Honeini

Moderator

Mahassen Moursel is an economic journalist and a researcher specializing in financial crimes. She is also a media activist with numerous appearances on economic programs. Mahassen has participated in various conferences focused on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and anti-corruption efforts. Her work reflects a strong commitment to promoting financial transparency and accountability.

Ms. Mahassen Moursel

Dr. Nawaf Salam - Prime Minister of Lebanon

Dr. Nawaf Salam – Prime Minister of Lebanon

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