In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and the Center for Educational Research and Development (CRDP), UNESCO Regional for UN Coordination for the Arab States, organized a high-level roundtable discussion titled “Digital Learning in Lebanon – Challenges and Opportunities.” The event gathered key education stakeholders, including representatives from the international community, donor agencies, United Nations organizations, and private schools, to explore the challenges and opportunities of digital learning in Lebanon.
The discussion featured prominent speakers, including Maysoun Chehab, Chief of the Education Section and Senior Program Specialist at UNESCO Beirut Office, Mr. Imad Al-Achkar, Director General of Education, and Professor Hiam Ishak, President of CRDP. A key highlight of the session was the presentation of a comprehensive review of blended learning in Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic, conducted by Statistics Lebanon.
The initiative aims to achieve two key objectives: first, to provide scientific evidence that supports the formulation of digital education policies tailored to Lebanon’s ongoing educational challenges. Second, to contribute to the development of a National Digital Learning Strategy, which is being designed in partnership with MEHE, UNESCO, and CRDP, with financial support from the Multi-Year Resilience Program (MYRP), funded by the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) initiative.
Maysoun Chehab emphasized UNESCO’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and digital learning into education systems in an ethical and inclusive manner. She reaffirmed that UNESCO remains dedicated to supporting Lebanon’s national partners in finalizing a digital learning strategy aligned with the country's commitments under the Transforming Education Summit (TES). She commended MEHE and CRDP for their leadership in ensuring that learning remains accessible and relevant despite ongoing challenges.
Mr. Imad Al-Achkar highlighted the transformative role of blended learning, describing it as a key pillar of educational innovation. He expressed gratitude to UNESCO, CRDP, UNICEF, and Save the Children for their contributions in preparing the review of Lebanon’s blended learning experience. He noted that this initiative comes at a critical time, as Lebanon faces economic instability, infrastructural deficits, and the impacts of recent crises.
Professor Hiam Ishak underscored the progress made in integrating digital education into national curricula and teaching methodologies. She highlighted CRDP’s significant steps in this field, emphasizing the importance of public awareness regarding digital learning’s potential to enhance teaching methods, lead research initiatives, and train educators in integrating artificial intelligence and technology into the education sector.
This study, a collaborative effort between MEHE, UNESCO, and CRDP, provided the foundation for in-depth discussions on digital learning strategies and their future applications. The outcomes of the roundtable will be compiled into a policy brief, ensuring data-driven recommendations that align with the INBB Framework and address the evolving educational landscape in Lebanon.This roundtable marks a significant milestone in Lebanon’s journey toward strengthening its digital education ecosystem. By fostering collaborative efforts between MEHE, UNESCO, CRDP, and key stakeholders, the initiative aims to harness technological advancements to enhance access to quality education and ensure the sustainability of the education system.
UNESCO, MEHE, and CRDP remain committed to advancing digital learning in Lebanon, supporting innovative approaches that equip students with the skills needed for the future. Through sustained collaboration and investment in digital education, Lebanon continues to work toward a resilient and inclusive education system that meets the demands of the 21st century.
