Lara Hanna-Wakim, Director of the Continuing Education Center. (Credit: Tony Bassil)
Can you give us a brief overview of this new diploma?
This diploma is the first of its kind in Lebanon. It stands out with an unprecedented dual specialization: global food security and leadership in crisis contexts. It combines theoretical teaching, applied practice and an interdisciplinary approach around case studies and national issues.
Its goal is to train a new generation of leaders capable of tackling the complex challenges related to food security and crisis management, particularly in fragile contexts such as Lebanon. It is part of a logic of resilience, innovation and food sovereignty.
The program is designed for public sector executives, NGO professionals, engineers, agri-food business managers, as well as experts in health, rural development, economics and the environment. It is also intended for decision-makers and consultants wishing to update their strategic skills. Candidates must demonstrate relevant professional experience and a clear commitment to sustainable solutions. As English is the language of instruction, a good command of it is essential.
Who are the partner institutions or organizations for this executive diploma?
The diploma was designed in collaboration with Dr. Patrick Cortbaoui, director general of the Margaret A. Gilliam Institute for Global Food Security at McGill University (Canada). Developed within the framework of a broader strategy of the Continuing Education Center (UCLC) at USEK, it responds to needs identified both by Lebanese institutions and international partners, while aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
In Lebanon, the program receives support from several ministries, NGOs, as well as private sector actors, notably through chambers of commerce and agri-food companies. Additional partnerships are underway with national and international institutions, thus ensuring a global and strategic anchoring for the program.
What are the strengths of this new diploma?
Its hybrid format combines in-person and online teaching, the diversity of its speakers – Lebanese, Arab, American, Canadian, and European experts – as well as the integration of a synthesis project [Capstone Project] around a real challenge, making it a unique model in the MENA region. It is also a diploma based on co-construction, where each participant becomes an agent of change within their institution.
Its modular and flexible structure allows for continuous updating of content. Modules can integrate new themes such as policies, governance and emergency strategies for food security, trade disruptions and resilience planning for food systems, or post-harvest technologies and loss reduction in times of crisis. The Capstone Project also provides an agile framework for experimenting with innovative solutions in the field, in collaboration with partner institutions. This diploma thus constitutes an evolving device, in constant dialogue with scientific, economic and climatic transformations.
How can this diploma contribute to improving food security in Lebanon?
Food security is now a major geopolitical issue. The Arab world, and Lebanon in particular, are exposed to multiple risks associated with instability, climate change and high dependence on imports. Our ambition is that this diploma will become a regional reference and serve as a foundation for a future center of excellence in food security and resilience. In the long term, we want to strengthen the integration of applied research, advanced agricultural technologies and strategic support for public policies.
In the face of economic, health and climate crises affecting Lebanon, this diploma aims to equip the country's institutions, businesses and organizations with qualified human capital capable of designing innovative public policies, securing supply chains and responding rapidly in case of a food emergency.
The expected impact translates into improving the skills of ministry and strategic institution executives, better coordination between the public and private sectors, increased attractiveness for sustainable development projects in the agro-industry and, above all, building a national community of food security experts.
You are the director of the Continuing Education Center at USEK (UCLC). What are the development prospects at this level?
USEK aims to become a strategic player in continuing education in the MENA region. Through the UCLC, we are developing executive programs aligned with national priorities while building strong partnerships with renowned universities and international cooperation organizations. We also focus on digitization, modularity and international recognition of skills acquired through our certifications.
Continuing education helps bridge the gap between traditional academic education and market requirements. It plays a key role in enhancing the skills of economic actors, professionalizing public services, as well as empowering young people and women. It creates added social, economic and human value, essential to support the structural changes in our society.
In conclusion, how does the UCLC adapt its actions to the evolving needs of the professional world?
Our actions are guided by a logic of co-construction: Each program or workshop is designed in consultation with the stakeholders. We have recently launched training on crisis management for the Lebanese armed forces, workplace well-being for administrations, as well as international certifications in innovation, leadership and quality.
The Continuing Education Center acts as a true bridge between the academic world and the field. As a transversal structure within USEK, the UCLC is called upon to play a federating role between faculties and various academic and professional actors. One of its essential objectives is to institutionalize continuing education within the university, ensuring coordination, labeling and visibility of activities, thereby strengthening the university’s strategic positioning in the field of professional development, both in Lebanon and internationally.
This interview was translated from L'Orient-Le Jour.
