25-07-2025
Summary
The Chamber of Commerce in Sidon and South Lebanon held an AI conference to raise awareness and empower Lebanese youth to develop exportable tech solutions. The event marked a step toward a knowledge-based economy rooted in innovation and decentralization.
Description
AI Conference at the Chamber of Commerce in Sidon and South Lebanon
The Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Sidon and South Lebanon inaugurated its Artificial Intelligence Conference under the patronage of Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Kamal Chahadeh, represented by his legal advisor, Lawyer Nadine Chawi. The event was attended by Chamber President Mr. Mohamad Saleh, Vice President Eng. Omar Dandachli, Conference President Dr. Hikmat El Baayni, members of the Chamber's Board of Directors, President of the Sidon Traders Association Mr. Ali Al-Sharif, Head of the South Lebanon Economic Department Mrs. Maysa Hadraj, in addition to various economic, educational, and social stakeholders.
After a welcome by the Master of Ceremony, Hiba Marquez, President Saleh opened the conference stating:
"I am pleased to stand before you today to launch the Artificial Intelligence Conference from the Chamber, especially as we are witnessing a new turning point driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which differs significantly from previous ones due to its massive technological developments and transformative impact—especially in the economic sector."
He emphasized that:
"Holding this conference under challenging local and economic conditions reflects our commitment to supporting the sectors of industry, agriculture, trade, and tourism to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution—rooted in digital transformation and technological innovation."
He continued:
"This initiative deserves our support and continuous investment to position Lebanon—across all regions—on the map of AI investment. We place great hope in this step to help revive our country in various sectors and to create new job opportunities."
He concluded by thanking the organizers and sponsors, expressing his wishes for the conference’s success.
Dr. El Baayni: Three Strategic Goals
Conference President Dr. Hikmat El Baayni explained that the idea of the conference stemmed from a strong belief in expanded administrative, digital, and environmental decentralization. In today's hyper-connected digital world, he stressed that everyone deserves to participate in the global digital revolution.
He outlined three core objectives of the conference:
Raising Awareness:
To elevate public understanding of AI—its nature, relevance, and how it can be applied across all fields.
Engaging Youth Experts:
Many Lebanese youth already specialize in AI. The conference gives them a platform to present innovative ideas and propose solutions, including the development of custom applications. He cited previous conferences, such as in Tripoli, where young participants offered impressive AI solutions across medical, logistics, business, and cultural sectors.
Connecting Minds with Capital:
The conference aims to connect young minds with potential investors from Lebanon and abroad (e.g., the U.S., Qatar, Dubai), enabling the transformation of ideas into exportable products. Dr. El Baayni emphasized that AI is now a historic opportunity for Lebanon's minds to create digital products, even from their homes or garages—despite power or internet challenges.
He concluded:
"With will, creativity, and vision, our youth can develop AI solutions from home that can be marketed internationally—making AI a new, vital source of national income, potentially exceeding revenues from the petroleum sector. We estimate AI could bring up to $20 billion annually to Lebanon’s youth economy."
Lawyer Nadine Chawi conveyed Minister Chahadeh’s greetings and apologies for his absence, delivering his speech which stressed the following:
"Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future option—it is now a foundational pillar in shaping the future of nations. It influences economic strategies, restructures administrations, and enhances regional and global competitiveness."
She emphasized that:
"Ensuring access to technology and AI across all Lebanese regions is a national necessity."
She praised initiatives like the AI Bus, which had arrived in Sidon, as key examples of spreading digital literacy and strengthening local capabilities.
She noted:
"Such initiatives reflect Lebanon's creative youth potential and its readiness to embrace the global digital transformation. Technology is no longer a luxury of the future—it is our present. And it is our responsibility to bring it closer to the people and harness it for innovation and development."
Lawyer Chawi advocated for the creation of a Ministry for Technology and Artificial Intelligence:
"Such a ministry would serve as a national platform to craft a comprehensive vision that places digital transformation at the heart of Lebanon's economic and administrative policies."
She concluded:
"Lebanon has abundant human capital, both locally and in the diaspora. These talents are ready to contribute—if provided with the right environment. AI must become a true economic driver, creating quality job opportunities, advancing industries, and stimulating the knowledge economy."
Final Note
The conference included engaging panel discussions on how AI can be integrated and applied across a wide range of sectors.
This event is part of a nationwide AI conference series, aiming to:
Raise awareness about AI and its uses
Leverage administrative decentralization to discover and fund youth talent
Turn local innovation into exportable, revenue-generating solutions for Lebanon and beyond