On April 23, 2025, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies in collaboration with the Office of NDU Publications at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), proudly hosted a book launch and signing event for Lebanese energy expert Dr. Roudi Baroudi, who unveiled his latest publication: Settling Maritime Boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean: Who Will Be Next?
The event took place in the presence of NDU President Father Bechara Khoury; Ambassador of Cyprus to Lebanon, Maria Hadjitheodosiou; H.E. Zyad Baroud; H.E. Antoine Habchi; H.E. Melhem Riachi; Abbot Edmond Rizk; and journalist Maurice Matta representing Michel El Murr and MTV.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol at NDU, followed by a word from Fr. Khoury who stated: “We are gathered here today not only to celebrate the birth of an innovative work, but also to honor a man whose vision has touched many lives, and has enriched NDU and other institutions with his solid friendship.”
Dr. Baroudi’s book outlines the need for countries in the region to resolve their maritime boundaries in order to collaborate on energy development and seize economic opportunities that might arise. It stresses on legal, scientific, and technical means to ensure fair and equitable boundary delimitation. The book contains exclusive, high-precision maps depicting in great detail the location of the negotiated or adjudicated sea borders of several East Mediterranean countries, based on the United Nations guidelines.
Furthermore, Dr. Baroudi’s work emphasizes that settling these unresolved boundaries – including those between Lebanon and Cyprus, Lebanon and Syria, Greece and Turkey, Turkey and Syria, Syria and Cyprus, and Turkey and Cyprus – is a necessary first step for those seeking to develop offshore energy resources. The advent of energy security and possible lucrative exports could have a profound effect on several nations, allowing them to make historic investments in schools, hospitals, and their infrastructures, all while creating well-paying jobs and reducing poverty and inequality. Baroudi also highlights a series of cross-border benefits, including reducing potential conflicts between neighbors, building trust, and opening up new avenues for cooperation. “I am hopeful that the new government will collaborate and succeed on this front,” Baroudi added.
As a 47-year veteran of the energy industry, Baroudi has a wealth of experience to share, and does so frequently as an author and speaker, promoting energy as a catalyst for dialogue and peace wherever and whenever he can. The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, followed by a book signing. Proceeds from book sales were dedicated to supporting NDU students through financial aid.
As a token of appreciation, Fr. Khoury presented Dr. Baroudi with a commemorative plaque and Kitab al-Azraa Maryam, an NDU publication symbolizing gratitude and enduring commitment.