QOOT Cluster hosted its Annual Corporate Gathering at ESA University, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 to celebrate the UN International day for Science, Technology and Innovation for the south as it aligns perfectly with QOOT Cluster mission to driving sustainable growth in Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector.
The United Nations designated September 16th to celebrate this day aiming to highlight the role of scientific and technological advancements in addressing development challenges.
This day promotes global cooperation, equitable access to technology, and innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging efforts to bridge the technology gap between industrialized and developing nations. It reinforces the importance of responsible governance and scientific breakthroughs in shaping a sustainable future for the South and the world.
Mrs. Nadine El Khoury, President of QOOT Cluster, shared inspiring words emphasizing the power of applied knowledge to drive innovation in Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector:
Together, we can shape the future where knowledge is not just created, but applied, driving innovation forward in Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector.”
Mrs. Nadine El Khoury
This vision of collaboration was further reinforced by H.E. Frank Mollen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lebanon, whose presence emphasized the value of global partnerships. In his remarks, H.E. Mollen highlighted the Netherlands’ ongoing support for Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector.
“The Dutch Embassy remains committed to supporting Lebanon in its journey towards a more sustainable Agri-Food future.”
H.E. Frank Mollen
Building on this commitment, the gathering brought together key players in the ecosystem, including: QOOT Cluster members, industry leaders, academics, and donors, united in their effort to discuss scientific and innovation pathways for Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector.
Aligned with the UN’s focus on leveraging science, technology, and innovation, the event featured three insightful panels, combining expertise from academia, industry, and donors to foster a discussion that bridges research, practical experience, and funding opportunities; this diversity of perspectives helps providing comprehensive insights into the future of the Agri-Food sector, ensuring that innovative solutions are grounded in both scientific knowledge and real-world application, while also being financially viable and sustainably supported.
Panel 1: Innovation in Agri-Food: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Lebanon
Ms. Bana Kobrosli, Managing Director, Lebanon and Jordan Rentokil Boecker
Pr. Richard G. Maroun, Vice-Rector for Research, Saint Joseph University of Beirut-Lebanon
Mr. Jad Zgheib, Principal Manager, Advice for Small Businesses, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Beirut, Lebanon
Throughout this panel, experts discussed the transformative role of innovation in Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector, highlighting the critical need for integrating technology and innovation to address the challenges in Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector. Current funding opportunities were also showcased as means to achieve firms’ innovation and sustainable goals.
Panel 2: Leveraging North-South Synergies for Agri-Food Advancement
Mr. Naji Nacouzi, CEO, Brasserie Almaza
Dr. Duault Maxence, General Director, ESA Business School and President, CCI France Liban
Ms. Nisrine Samara, Policy Officer Economic Affairs and Private Sector Development, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Discussions focused on the potential of North-South collaborations to unlock new opportunities for Agri-Food development. Panelists emphasized the importance of building long-term partnerships and sustaining quality in both products and collaborations. Nearshoring between Europe and Lebanon was also discussed herein. For this, Know-how and investments are recommended to be channeled from European countries to Lebanon, whereas quality end-products should be channeled in reverse to European countries.
Panel 3: Future Prospects: Building a Sustainable and Innovative Agri-Food Ecosystem
Ms. Joyce Rizk, CEO, Second House Products
Dr. Ammar Olabi, Dean of Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences at AUB
Mr. Charbel Hanna, Agriculture and Food Security Team Leader, U.S. Agency For International Development U.S. Embassy, Beirut, Lebanon
Discussions under this panel included topics such as localization, short-value chains, inclusion of sustainability-related targets and corresponding Key Performing Indicators. Panelists stressed on the importance of empowering local actors and ensuring that technological advancements are accessible and applicable to build a more sustainable value chain. Future funding opportunities were also announced, promising continuous and target support for the Agri-Food sector.
Building on These Insights
The discussions throughout the event shed light on the status-quo of the Lebanese Agri-Food innovation, while highlighting the North-South collaborations in this context, particularly the contributions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the European Commission, and the USAID. Participants also exchanged their visions and ambitions related to future perspectives in the field, enabling sustainable prospects of the Lebanese Agri-Food sector.
The day concluded with networking and refreshments, giving attendees the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and continue working towards a more inclusive Agri-Food ecosystem for Lebanon.
