On World Cultural Diversity Day for Dialogue and Development, the Modern University for Business and Science (MUBS), in collaboration with the Cultural Educational Institute for Development and Research (CEIDR), organized the cultural event “Dialogue of Cultures in a Time of Transformation” on May 21 at the Aley Campus. The event brought together H.E. the Consul General of Romania in Lebanon, Mr. Daniel Florea; Fabriano Executive Manager Mr. Jean-Claude Nahas; International and Lebanese Visual Artist and Architect Mr. Bernard Renno; and Mayor of Aley Mr. Wajdi Mrad, represented by Municipal Council Member Mr. Nabil Ghorayeb, alongside prominent diplomatic, cultural, and academic figures.

The event opened with the Romanian national anthem, followed by a performance of the Lebanese national anthem by world-renowned opera soprano Mrs. Maria Matar, in an opening that reflected the spirit of cultural diversity of the event. MUBS Chairman Dr. Hatem Alamy presented her with a commemorative gift as a token of appreciation.

In her opening remarks, host Mrs. Sara Abou Hamdan emphasized that promoting cultural dialogue at the university is not a passing occasion but a living embodiment of the intellectual and human identity on which the institution was founded. She noted that the university’s continued ranking in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings reflects its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and their translation into local impact.

The Annual Fabriano competition ceremony commenced with an address by H.E. Mr. Daniel Florea, who delivered a presentation titled “Romania: A Land of Legends and Beauty,” exploring the depth and richness of Romanian cultural identity. The presentation was met with great enthusiasm from the audience, after which Dr. Alamy presented him with a commemorative gift as a token of appreciation and gratitude.

Mr. Jean-Claude Nahas then spoke about the history of Fabriano and its role in support of artistic creativity worldwide, stressing the importance of art as a means of dialogue and cultural expression. Awards and certificates were then presented to the winning students from the Graphic Design department, in recognition of their work. The segment closed with a commemorative gift to Mr. Nahas in appreciation of his continued support for students and young talent.

In the second part of the event, Mrs. Hayat Itani, Architect and Lecturer at the Faculty of Fine Arts & Design at MUBS, delivered a presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence, Art, and Culture: Diversity in the Age of Creative Intelligence,” in which she addressed the transformations that technology has brought to artistic production and design thinking, concluding with the words: “Our role is to use artificial intelligence as a tool for cultural continuity, not cultural erasure.”

Mr. Nabil Ghorayeb also delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the partnership between the Municipality of Aley and MUBS, describing this collaboration as a living model of integration between academic and municipal institutions in service of culture and local development. Dr. Alamy presented him with a book and a commemorative gift in appreciation of his cultural and municipal role.

One of the event’s most remarkable highlights featured Mr. Bernard Renno, with the screening of a short film documenting his artistic experience inside his studio, followed by a live painting performance before the audience. During the session, he announced that this work marked his 365th live performance, a number that, in his words, represents more than thirty years of passion, color, patience, and dreams. For twenty minutes, the audience watched the canvas take shape. At the close of the performance, Dr. Alamy presented Mr. Renno with a commemorative gift and announced that the completed work would serve as the cover of his upcoming book, “Think as an Individual… Act as a Citizen: Toward a New Understanding of Belonging, Identity, Biography, and Recognition.”

The closing segment featured an address by Dr. Alamy, in which he explored culture in its human, political, and social dimensions, reflecting on transformations of identity and belonging in the age of the technological revolution and calling for the rebuilding of the concepts of citizenship and dialogue on new human and intellectual foundations.

At the close of the event, Mrs. Sara Abou Hamdan invited attendees to explore the artwork and design projects displayed in the hall, created by MUBS Interior and Graphic Design students, in celebration of their talents and creativity. She also announced the distribution of copies of Dr. Hatem Alamy’s book “Difference and Communication” to those in attendance as a gesture that reflects the university’s commitment to a culture of dialogue, openness, and diversity.

This event reaffirms MUBS’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships to Achieve the Goals). For more information related to UN SDGs, visit our page: www.mubs.edu.lb/sdg