July 23, 2025 – In keeping with its Catholic liberal arts tradition, Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) commits itself to lifelong learning, personal responsibility, and the promotion of enlightened citizenship. Reflecting these values, 62 participants successfully completed the Diploma in Municipal Studies at NDU’s Lifelong Learning Center (LLC). Offered in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, this program equips candidates with the tools to revolutionize local governance.
The graduation ceremony was held in presence of NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury; Dr. Michel El Hayek, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Antoine Farhat, Vice President for University Advancement; Dr. Dany Azzi, Director of the LLC; Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol; and Elie Hanna, President of the NDU Alumni Association. The event was held under the patronage of the H.E. Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmed Al-Hajjar, who also attended alongside former Ministers Marwan Charbel and Ziad Baroud; Jan-Jaap Sas, First Secretary at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Head of Development Cooperation; and various political, religious, and municipal representatives.
Bou Hadir opened the ceremony by welcoming esteemed guests and thanking them for their presence and continued support. He also commended both current and former Ministers of Interior and Municipalities for their hard work and dedication during their respective terms, which presented unique challenges.
Guests then watched a testimonial video highlighting participants’ experiences in the program, which Dr. Azzi further elaborated on: “This program not only educated a diverse group of municipal staff by integrating theory and practice, but also strengthened our ties with the public sector. This collaboration will pave the way for future projects and initiatives, including specialized professional development courses in key areas of municipal governance.”
In his address, Fr. Khoury emphasized NDU’s broader role in national development: “What sets NDU apart is its ongoing commitment to non-academic initiatives that empower and uplift the Lebanese community. A university’s mission is not limited to awarding degrees; it must serve the nation, strengthen its institutions, and drive progress in areas that benefit all.”
He also announced a 30% tuition reduction for staff and families of the Internal Security Forces, General Security, Government Security, and Customs Administration—a mutually beneficial initiative that contributes to a better nation.
In his keynote speech, Minister Al-Hajjar expressed gratitude to NDU and its administration for always standing by Lebanon’s institutions: “Change begins from within. Through this academic and professional program, municipalities will be empowered to fulfill their responsibilities and meet citizens’ aspirations with confidence and competence.”
The Minister concluded by personally distributing the diplomas to all participants who joined from regions across Lebanon.
The 54-hour Diploma in Municipal Studies consisted of five modules, covering:
- The constitutional, legal, and organizational frameworks of municipal operations
- Governance and municipal management
- Financial management, budget preparation, and public procurement
- Strategic planning, funding strategies, and donor relations
- Additional key topics relevant to municipal work
Participants also gained exclusive access to state-of-the-art resources and training materials via NDU’s e-library.
This program is a testament to NDU’s belief that municipalities serve as a microcosm of government and are deeply rooted in community life. By equipping municipality staff with the tools for effective governance, NDU actively contributes to improving the daily lives of citizens and gradually driving change.