On Thursday April 25, 2013, the Faculty of Business and Commercial Sciences of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) inaugurated the Job Fair 2013. This event entitled “A Commitment to Youth”, which was under the patronage of the Minister of Labor, His Excellency Mr. Salim Jreissati, gathered more than 40 local and international institutions such as banks, insurance companies, airlines, shops, hotels, industrial, financial and educational institutions.

This 2 day event paved the way for University students to meet representatives of the participating companies to get information about available internship training, full time or part time job vacancies.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, the Student Exchange Coordinator at the Faculty of Business and Commercial Sciences, Ms. Tina Habib welcomed the attendees and gave the floor to the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Nehme Azouri, who stressed on the importance of cooperation with companies in order to ensure job opportunities for the students. He added: “We seek to prepare students to become leaders and active and productive members of society. This event supports them in their future professional career.”

The President of the University, Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, reiterated the fact that the mission of the University revolves around the students and the fact that collective work has a positive impact on the University in particular and the society in general.

Then the Minister of Labor, His Excellency Mr. Salim Jreissati pointed out that “The Holy Spirit university of Kaslik is a practical interpretation of the conviction of the Lebanese Maronite Order that education is a divine capital that maximizes the competencies of human beings, refines their skills and calls upon them to reinforce society through decent work for a decent life…” He added: “This Job Fair is an indicator of the dynamism of the University which spares no effort in providing job opportunities for the youth of Lebanon through the cooperation between the private sector institutions. In this regard, we are trying to activate the cooperation between the private and public sectors… Moreover, the Ministry of Labor is working on a draft labor policy for Lebanon in coordination with the International Labor Organization.” Minister Jreissati then expressed his concerns towards brain drain in Lebanon and unemployment levels, and stressed the importance of generating job opportunities through expanding the economy and achieving economic growth.