USAL Signs Memorandum of Understanding with ICYF

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen academic and cultural collaboration with international organizations, the University of Sciences and Arts in Lebanon -USAL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), during an official meeting held on the university campus on August 7, 2025.
The MoU was signed in the presence of the University President, Prof. Mohammad Rida Fadlallah, and the President of ICYF, Mr. Taha Ayhan, who participated live via online video conferencing. Also present at the signing was the Director of Education and Training Drpartment at ICYF , Dr. Mohammad Hazimeh, alongside USAL’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Nasri Harb, and Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Yasser Fadlallah.
This MoU aims to establish frameworks for cooperation between both parties in the fields of education and youth training, through knowledge and expertise exchange, and the organization of workshops and training programs that enhance university students’ skills and prepare them for the job market. The cooperation will also extend to supporting entrepreneurship through launching innovation initiatives and competitions, as well as establishing business incubators on campus in collaboration with the forum, fostering a culture of innovation and self-employment among students.
The agreement also includes joint projects addressing the needs of communities in OIC member states and offering scientific solutions to developmental challenges. Additionally, a Model OIC Club will be established at USAL to serve as a platform for dialogue and training, simulating the workings of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and fostering students’ political and diplomatic awareness. A series of academic and cultural programs will also be implemented with the support of ICYF, aiming to promote cultural identity and Islamic values, and to strengthen mutual understanding among youth from member states.
Prof. Mohammad Rida Fadlallah affirmed that this agreement reflects the university’s commitment to engaging with international initiatives that contribute to the development of students’ skills and improve their future career prospects. For his part, Mr. Taha Ayhan, President of ICYF, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with USAL, emphasizing that this partnership will play a key role in empowering youth and enhancing their roles within both Islamic and global communities.
This milestone reaffirms USAL’s dedication to embracing international initiatives and its commitment to equipping its students with the opportunities to participate in global youth platforms that enhance their skills and broaden their educational and career horizons.