Beirut Digital District had the pleasure of welcoming the MEDEF International delegation for a visit focused on innovation, technology, and collaboration.
Comprising over 55 senior executives, the delegation explored Lebanon’s growing potential as a regional center for tech & digital talent, as well as entrepreneurship.
During the campus tour, the delegation visited key ecosystem players hosted at BDD, including AUB iPark, 42 Beirut powered by CMA CGM, Ministry of Information Technology and Artifical Intelligence Lebanon (MITAI).
The visit also included the historic Saint George Church, a reminder of BDD’s commitment to preserving Beirut’s heritage while driving digital innovation forward.
At 42 Beirut, Founding Director, Wissam Sammouri shared how Lebanese students consistently shine among peers across the global 42 network.
“Lebanese students at 42 Beirut complete projects nearly 25% faster than their international peers, further underscoring the power, exceptional skill, and determination of Lebanon’s talent.”
At AUB iPark, the delegation met with a group of promising startups who enthusiastically pitched their ideas and business visions. These exchanges sparked valuable discussions on how MEDEF members could support, promote, and empower Lebanon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through partnerships, mentorship, and exposure opportunities.
A Panel on Talent & Technology
The visit concluded with a compelling panel discussion exploring Talent and Technology in Lebanon, moderated by Jihad Bitar, CEO of Siren Analytics.
The conversation featured distinguished panelists:
- H.E. Kamal Chehade, Lebanon’s Minister of State for Technology and AI
- Mouhamad Rabah, CEO of BDD
- Joseph Dakkak, General Manager at CMA CGM
- Yann Rotil, Managing Partner at BlueDrop
It was unanimous among the panelists that Lebanon’s strongest asset remains its human capital, a well-educated, multilingual, and adaptable workforce that continues to outperform global benchmarks. This shared belief reinforced that Lebanon’s greatest strength lies in its people, capable of driving sustainable innovation, competitiveness, and global impact in the digital age.
Joseph Dakkak, General Manager at CMA CGM also emphasized the group’s enduring commitment to education in Lebanon through the CMA CGM Foundation, which currently supports 150 Lebanese students. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s vision to empower future generations and foster access to quality learning opportunities.
They further highlighted CMA CGM’s Center of Excellence in Marseille, one of the company’s leading innovation hubs, and the ongoing collaboration between Lebanese and French teams. CMA CGM’s operations in Lebanon, with offices in central Beirut and at BDD, currently serve over 70 international agencies, underscoring the country’s strategic importance within the group’s global network and its role as a regional hub for logistics, management, and innovation.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The MEDEF International delegation’s visit underscored the potential for deeper collaboration between French and Lebanese businesses, particularly across the sectors of technology, education, and innovation.
It was a moment of mutual learning and inspiration, reaffirming BDD’s commitment to building a sustainable digital economy, empowering talent, and positioning Lebanon on the global innovation map.
Beyond operational advantages, Lebanon offers a compelling “return on value,” combining resourcefulness with the exceptional quality, creativity, and determination of its people. The ecosystem’s dynamism, together with the strength of the Lebanese diaspora, positions the country as a unique partner for international collaboration and long-term growth.
The Beirut Digital District remains steadfast in its mission to connect people, ideas, and opportunities — driving Lebanon’s digital transformation and strengthening its place in the global innovation ecosystem.
