BEIRUT - HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh,
founder and chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global (TAG.Global), and Dr.
Mohammad Karkai, general director of Lebanon’s National Social Security Fund
(NSSF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the digital
transformation plan of the Fund.

During a visit to the premises of the NSSF
accompanied by Chair of Group Management Board at TAG.Global and the
accompanying delegation, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh went in a tour to the Fund’s various
departments and was briefed on the numerous services offered by the NSSF to
citizens.

On the sidelines of his visit,
a press conference was held during which Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh affirmed his keenness
on personally signing the MoU in recognition of his gratitude to Lebanon; the
country which provided him with refuge and shelter and became as such the
launching platform of his Organization.

Moreover, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh asserted
that despite the difficult stage Lebanon is passing through, it would soon be
able to overcome the difficult times  restoring its active role through
creativity and success.

 Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh
suggested linking the Fund to the knowledge stations that will be launched in
cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs; the stations, which will be
entirely equipped by TAG.Global and will also be provided by a special and free
Internet line which would enable and enhance communication between the state
and any Lebanese citizen electronically.

For his part, Dr. Karaki
extended his gratitude to Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, describing him as the ‘a great
friend who loves Lebanon’ and one of the greatest well-known national and
global personalities.

He, further, commended
previous cooperation between TAG.Global and the Fund since the two parties had
conducted the General Scheme of the Fund’s Information Systems in 2003,
according to which, the Fund managed to offer its services without any
interruption to beneficiaries during 2006 Lebanon War, and the outbreak of
corona virus (COVID-19) in 2020.

Meanwhile, Dr. Karaki
presented a copy of the Comprehensive digital transformation plan which he
considered a true achievement and an example to follow to be implemented in similar
sectors.

At the end of the meeting, Dr.
Karaki, in his capacity as President of the Arab Social Security Association,
presented the Association’s honorary shield to Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, calling on him
to accept the honor  for his efforts and contributions to Palestine,
Jordan, Lebanon, the Arab countries and the whole world.

Moreover, Dr. Karaki handed
over a copy of the Fund’s Digital Transformation and Comprehensive
Mechanization (Computerization) Plan to Mr. Abu Osbeh. Consequently, it was
also agreed to form a joint committee to study the services and support
TAG.Global could extend to implement the Plan.

Lebanon’s Digital
Transformation & Governance Network; represented by the Network's General
Coordinator, Dr. Nadim Mansouri, has been also assigned to follow up
coordination with Mr. Abu Osbeh to implement the projects that will be later
agreed upon to maintain the continuity of the digital transformation strategy.

The signing this MoU comes as
a result of the eagerness of both parties to cooperate and work together to
enable the Fund to complete the digital transformation plan by applying all
digital transformation and electronic archiving and indexing services. That is
in addition to automating the Fund’s internal and external business procedures.

The signed agreement also
stipulates promoting awareness on ICT, E-Solutions, methods of securing files
and information security, software solutions and ERP systems as well as
renewable energy consulting services.

Additionally, the Fund’s need
for capacity-building programs and training in information technology,
Internet, and digital literacy skills will also be studied, in addition to
contributing to customizing new training programs according to its needs and
requirements That is besides, cooperating in conducting specialized economic
feasibility studies, tenders and making use of consultants’ expertise from both
parties.

At the end of the meeting, the
two parties  agreed to cooperate in securing the required funding for
implementing the Fund’s development projects through internal and external
grants.