BEIRUT – HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh,
founder and chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global (TAG.Global), has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lebanese Minister of Labor, HE Mr.
Mustafa Bayram to implement the digital transformation plan in Lebanon. 

The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation
towards executing the Ministry's triennial plan (2022-2025) to
enhance employment opportunities by utilizing digital services, governance and
training quality. 

In this context, the two parties will
collaborate in all digital transformation services as well as those related to
e-archiving and indexing, automation, and the electronic structuring of the
Ministry's internal and external working procedures. The agreement also covers
raising awareness on the use of ICT, e-solutions, methods of securing files and
information security, software solutions, and ERP systems as well as renewable
energy consulting.

According to the signed memorandum,
TAG.Global will prepare a study of the Ministry's capacity-building needs in IT
and Internet skills, in addition to contributing to the development of new
 programs that will meet the ministry’s needs and requirements.

It was also agreed to cooperate in
conducting specialized economic feasibility studies and tenders as well as
making use of the consultants’ expertise of the two parties. 

In a joint press conference, Dr.
Abu-Ghazaleh praised the significant role Minister Bayram plays in
developing the Ministry’s work and digitizing its services for the benefit of
the country and its citizens.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh recalled his displacement
as a refugee in 1948 from Palestine to the town of Ghazieh in South Lebanon,
where he was raised and earned his education studied in Lebanese schools and
universities; the country from which he moved to become a global personality,
 chairing  many UN task forces particularly the UN Global
Alliance for ICT for Development; that developed a global policy for the use of
technology. 

Furthermore, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stressed
that his life journey was a series of challenges and problems which he
considered a blessing  to reach what he has accomplished since.

He stated that Lebanon will rise again and
overcome all its problems and crises, expressing optimism of finding solutions
to current Lebanese issues. He further stressed the importance of finding
solutions to environmental problems, especially since the world in the next
three decades, will face life-threatening environmental disasters.

Encouraging optimism and positive
thoughts, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said that ‘what Lebanon is currently experiencing is
not difficult circumstances, but a blessing, since hard times ultimately create
strong men’.

For his part, Minister Bayram said
that the MoU is an implementation of the digital transformation plan drawn
up by many volunteering experts from inside and outside the Ministry, who
joined forces at record time without posing any financial burdens on  the
country. He pointed out that the memorandum’s terms were finalized in less than
17 days and it was quickly approved by the Council of Ministers.

Mr. Bayram added that the importance
of this plan lies in the fact that it is a strategic plan for the
ministry’s sustainability saying: “Our plan concentrates on sustainability, as
it covers the coming three years of the Ministry's ambitious plan for the first
time. It includes digital transformation, solar power, electronic transactions,
and training that meets business and market needs and requirements.”

 Minister Bayram further
affirmed: "we have the authority, power and hope to lead further
development to deliver good services to the Lebanese community and
citizens". He referred to the Ministry’s recently launched
first-of-its-kind initiative in Lebanon to involve young people in
decision-making under the slogan ‘Give me an idea and participate in the
official decision-making’. He added that such an initiative aims to
motivate the youth and talented people and to promote the participation in
decision-making so that all Lebanon’s citizens would feel and become
responsible citizens in their country.

The Minister commended the role and the
initiatives of Dr. Abu Ghazaleh affirming that "the interest of HE Dr.
Abu-Ghazaleh, the great world business icon, in this area gave us confidence,
to sign this memorandum, which will be based on the provision of informatics,
digital transformation and training needs". He concluded by expressing
hopes that signing the MoU will be the starting point for further cooperation
and development by staying committed to appropriate implementation, good
governance, and transparency, the Minister concluded.