Prof. Hassan Diab is a former Prime Minister of Lebanon, a visionary leader and advocate for educational reform, empowerment, and excellence. With over three decades of remarkable contributions to academia, governance, and the non-profit sector, Prof. Diab’s journey embodies a relentless pursuit of innovation, integrity, and inclusivity in education. 

Born with an insatiable curiosity and passion for learning, Prof. Diab embarked on his academic journey at the prestigious American University of Beirut (AUB) as an Assistant Professor in 1985. His exceptional dedication and scholarly contributions led to a rapid ascent, becoming one of AUB’s youngest full Professors at the age of 37. During his tenure, he served as Vice President for Regional External Programs (REP), representing AUB’s consulting arm in over 20 countries and spearheading transformative projects in education and technology.

Prof. Diab’s leadership extends beyond academia into the realm of governance and policy-making. He made history as the first Prime Minister in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region to form a cabinet with 30% female ministers, a testament to his unwavering commitment to gender equality and women empowerment. His technocratic approach during Lebanon’s challenging times resulted in groundbreaking anti-corruption measures and a national reform plan applauded by global entities like the UN, EU, World Bank, and IMF.

As Minister of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) in Lebanon, Prof. Diab orchestrated transformative reforms, including a new Higher Education law, strategic plans for ICT integration, and initiatives promoting compulsory community service and vocational education. His tenure witnessed Lebanon’s notable rise in global rankings for education quality and management, showcasing his dedication to fostering excellence at all levels.

Beyond his national contributions, Prof. Diab’s advocacy for educational excellence resonates on a global scale. As a founding President of Dhofar University in Oman, he pioneered liberal arts education and earned accolades for fostering innovation and socio-economic progress through mobile technology integration in education. His international collaborations and affiliations with esteemed organizations like the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) underscore his commitment to driving positive change worldwide.

At the core of Prof. Diab’s mission lies a deep-rooted belief in empowering youth and nurturing future leaders. His initiatives in compulsory education, student engagement, and skill development have catalyzed a paradigm shift in educational paradigms, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Prof. Diab’s leadership transcends geographical boundaries, cultural barriers, and institutional confines. His collaborative spirit, strategic foresight, and unwavering dedication to educational excellence make him a beacon of inspiration and hope for educators, policymakers, and learners worldwide.