Our Partnerships

Academic Cooperation Agreement between the Lebanese Army and CIS College

In a significant step toward enhancing the academic and professional capacities of the Lebanese Army personnel, an academic cooperation protocol was signed on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, between the Lebanese Army Command and the Computer and Industrial Sciences Institute – CIS College, at the Army Command headquarters in Yarzeh.

This agreement aims to provide broad educational opportunities to military members by offering scholarships across various educational levels, in addition to advanced specialized training in technical and vocational fields. This partnership highlights the Army’s commitment to skill development and staying up-to-date with scientific and technological progress.

The protocol was signed by Brigadier General Engineer Robert Mansour on behalf of the Lebanese Army Command, and by Dr. Abdul Kader Mekdash, President of CIS Group. The signing ceremony was attended by several officers and members of the CIS administrative delegation, reflecting the shared importance of this strategic collaboration.

This agreement represents a milestone in providing continuous education and specialized training for military personnel, helping to build a highly qualified force that serves national interests and strengthens institutional capacity.

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Academic Cooperation Agreement between CIS College and the Internal Security Forces

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, an academic cooperation agreement was signed between the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and CIS College. The signing took place at the office of ISF Director General, Major General Imad Othman, at the General Headquarters.

The agreement aims to provide specialized educational and training opportunities to ISF personnel, supporting the development of their skills and competencies. Representing CIS at the signing were Dr. Abdul Kader Mekdash (President of CIS Group), Dr. Wael Mekdash (Vice President), and Mr. Sobhi Al-Khatib (Administrative Director). This partnership reflects CIS’s dedication to strengthening national capacities and supporting Lebanon’s security institutions.

Cooperation Agreement between CIS Group and the General Directorate of General Security

With the goal of advancing national workforce skills in alignment with market demands, a cooperation agreement was signed between the CIS Group—represented by Dr. Wael Mekdash, Vice President—and the General Directorate of General Security—represented by Naval Colonel Mazen Saqr—in Beirut on May 8, 2025.

The agreement outlines the implementation of specialized training programs in both technical and administrative domains, aimed at strengthening professional skills and operational readiness among relevant personnel. Both sides affirmed their commitment to activating the agreement and expanding the scope of collaboration to meet evolving national needs.

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Cooperation Agreement between CIS Group and the International Finance Corporation to Empower Youth in Lebanon and Iraq

To support vocational education and enhance youth employability, a cooperation agreement was signed between CIS Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. The agreement focuses on developing technical and vocational training programs in Lebanon and Iraq, and aligning them with labor market requirements and private sector needs.

This partnership is part of the “Afaq” initiative (Horizons), funded by the Government of the Netherlands, which aims to support host communities and vulnerable groups through education, vocational training, and social protection.

The agreement includes improving governance practices at CIS, upgrading educational services, and enabling youth—especially those affected by conflict—to acquire the skills needed for employment.

Dr. Abdul Kader Mekdash, President of CIS Group, stated:
"IFC, with its global expertise, will play a central role in developing governance practices and equipping youth with the skills required by companies. We are committed to collaborating with IFC to expand our services and secure a better future for our graduates."

Dutch Ambassador to Lebanon, Hans Peter van der Woude, added:
"Lebanon is facing serious social, economic, and financial challenges, especially high youth unemployment. This agreement is important as it fosters youth inclusion in the job market and supports Lebanon’s economic recovery."

This is IFC’s first project in the vocational education and training sector in Lebanon and represents a key step toward empowering youth, enhancing productivity, and promoting economic growth in both Lebanon and Iraq by connecting training with real market needs and fostering public-private partnerships.

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Strategic Partnership to Launch the NammiSkills Platform

In one of the most significant agreements signed, a first-of-its-kind tripartite partnership was launched between UNICEF, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and CIS Group, to enhance digital skills and inclusive education among youth in Lebanon through the NammiSkills learning platform.

This initiative is funded by the Government of the Netherlands, supported by the World Bank, and implemented in partnership with Forward MENA as part of the “Prospects” program, which aims to open new opportunities for youth in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

The partnership seeks to equip learners with modern technical and vocational skills, enabling them to integrate into the job market and adapt to the digital transformation reshaping today’s work environment.

The agreement was signed in the presence of several key international stakeholders, including:

Mr. Khawaja Aftab Ahmed – Regional Director, Middle East, Pakistan & Afghanistan, IFC
Ambassador Frank Mollen – Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lebanon
Ms. Andrea Berther – UNICEF Representative in Lebanon
Mr. Emilios Chatzinikolaou – Prospects Program Manager and Regional Economic Coordinator, IFC
Ms. Hiba Obeid – Representative of NammiSkills / Forward MENA

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a modern education system that prioritizes digital skills as a gateway to employment, social inclusion, and economic stability in Lebanon.

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