Under the patronage of the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Rima Karami, represented by Ms. Sophia Khoury, the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Human Sciences-Beirut Arab University organized an award ceremony for the "Think & Change" competition. The initiative was tailored for Grade 12 students (Third Secondary) from both public and private schools.
The competition attracted around 500 male and female students. Participants were asked to select a trending social phenomenon that reflects the interests and concerns of their generation, analyze it, and present insights and ideas to help address it.
The competition aimed to encourage critical thinking and foster a sense of initiative among students, while providing a platform for them to express their views and perspectives on societal issues. The submissions demonstrated a high level of awareness and an ability to understand current social challenges, alongside presenting innovative solutions and ideas that underscore the role of youth in driving positive change and contributing to a more conscious and engaged society.
Alongside the representative of the Minister of Education, the ceremony was attended by the President of the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development H.E. Ms. Bahia Hariri, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al-Bir and Ihsan Waqf and Chairman of the BAU Board of Trustees Dr. Ammar Houry, President of Beirut Arab University Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, Secretary General of the University Dr. Omar Houri, Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences Professor Siddeeka Lasheen.
The event was also attended by educational bureau directors, school principals, university deans and directors, and a large crowd of students from the participating schools.
The ceremony was emceed by Saad Iskandrani, a PhD student in the Sociology Department. Following the introduction, Dr. Abeer Al-Asmar, Head of the Sociology Department, addressed the audience, stating "Change begins with an idea, and today we celebrate hundreds of ideas brought forward by young people who believed they have a role to play in building a better society. It is from this conviction that the 'Think & Change' competition was born an initiative launched by the Sociology Department to reaffirm that its role is not confined to education and academic research alone. Rather, it extends to being a partner in understanding society's issues, confronting its challenges, and empowering youth to be part of the solution."
In turn, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Siddeeka Lasheen noted in her speech "The idea originated in the Sociology Department, its horizons expanded through collaboration with schools, and its features matured through the efforts of teachers and students. Meanwhile, Beirut Arab University embraced it with support and sponsorship, turning it into an effective community project that touches reality and grants youth the space to think, take initiative, and make a real impact in their surroundings."
For his part, the University President Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, said "This competition is not merely a passing academic activity; it is a strategic step aligned with the university's vision to revitalize sociology a pivotal, living science that we view today as one of the most important human sciences."
He added: "We live in a fast paced world buffeted by social changes and transformations. Hence, there is an urgent need for sociology as a tool to understand reality, deconstruct its crises, and anticipate its future."
Furthermore, the representative of the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Ms. Sophia Khoury, remarked in her speech "The Sociology Department’s choice to launch this initiative and direct it toward high school students in the Sociology and Economics track carries profound educational and national significance. Its core theme serves as an entry point to understanding societal issues and transformations, developing awareness of social and economic phenomena, and preparing a generation capable of approaching challenges with a scientific mind and an open, humanitarian vision. The education we aspire to and work toward is not limited to transmitting knowledge; rather, it aims to build a conscious and responsible personality capable of sound thinking and active participation in society."
The ceremony featured the screening of a documentary produced by the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces. This was followed by an awareness session presented by the Head of the ISF Public Relations Division Brigadier General Joseph Mousallem, who highlighted the dangers of cybercrimes, which have become a growing challenge to society.
He pointed out that sexual extortion is among the most dangerous and widespread cybercrimes, emphasizing that prompt reporting to the competent security authorities is the crucial first step to protecting victims and putting an end to these crimes.
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