The Lebanon Chapter of the Project Management Institute
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LAU and PMI Sign MoU, Facilitated by PMI Lebanon Chapter

A strategic Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen project management education and professional development in Lebanon and the wider MENA region.

  • Date May 13, 2026
  • Agreement Memorandum of Understanding
  • Partner LAU Adnan Kassar School of Business
  • Signed for PMI PMI MENA
  • Facilitated by PMI Lebanon Chapter
Dr. Mira Thoumy and Dr. Dima Jamali shaking hands at the LAU and PMI Memorandum of Understanding signing
  • Outreach
  • PMI Lebanon Chapter

The Lebanese American University (LAU) Adnan Kassar School of Business has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Project Management Institute (PMI), marking an important milestone in strengthening project management education and professional development in Lebanon and the wider MENA region.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between academia and industry, creating new opportunities to equip students, faculty, and professionals with globally recognized project management practices, career-focused learning experiences, and practical skills required in today’s rapidly evolving workplace.

The partnership was facilitated by Dr. Mira Thoumy, PMI Lebanon Chapter Board member (VP of Governance) and Associate Professor of Management at LAU. The agreement was signed by Dr. Dima Jamali, Dean of the Adnan Kassar School of Business, and PMI, represented by Ms. Dania Chaar, Regional Chapter Engagement Specialist, on behalf of Mr. Hanny Alshazly, PMI Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Speakers highlighted the importance of bridging academia and industry, preparing future project leaders, and promoting continuous professional development through internationally recognized PMI standards and certifications. The collaboration also reflects a shared commitment to innovation, employability, and lifelong learning, helping students and young professionals develop the capabilities needed to succeed in an increasingly project-driven economy.

Dr. Mira Thoumy and Dr. Dima Jamali shaking hands at the LAU and PMI Memorandum of Understanding signing
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Dr. Dima Jamali

Dean of the Adnan Kassar School of Business at Lebanese American University

In this story Signed for LAU

Dr. Dima Jamali is Dean of the Adnan Kassar School of Business at Lebanese American University, with expertise in sustainability, corporate social responsibility, responsible leadership and social entrepreneurship.

Her academic leadership experience includes serving as Dean of the School of Management and holding senior university leadership roles at Canadian University Dubai, as well as leading the College of Business Administration at the University of Sharjah.

At the American University of Beirut, she served as Associate Dean, Endowed Chair in Responsible Leadership and Executive Director for Strategic Partnerships. She has advised the United Nations, the World Bank and organizations in Lebanon on social policy and corporate responsibility, and founded the UN Global Compact Network Lebanon.

She holds a PhD in Social Policy and Administration from the University of Kent at Canterbury, a Master in Sociology from San José State University and a BA in Public Administration from AUB.

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Ms. Dania Chaar

Chapter Engagement Specialist at PMI MENA

In this story Signed for PMI

Ms. Dania Chaar serves as Chapter Engagement Specialist at PMI MENA, supporting collaboration and community development across regional chapters while fostering knowledge sharing and professional engagement throughout the PMI network.

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Mr. Hanny Alshazly

Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Project Management Institute

In this story PMI signatory, represented by Dania Chaar

Mr. Hanny Alshazly is Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Project Management Institute, leading regional strategy and growth while working with government, academia and industry to advance project management.

He brings more than 25 years of global experience in education, including senior leadership roles at D2L, Blackboard and Ellucian, where he supported innovation and business expansion across international markets.

His expertise combines learning, strategic business leadership and the delivery of large initiatives and national projects. A regular speaker on education, project management and transformation, he also contributes through advisory work and mentorship, including as an External Mentor at Ajman University Innovation Center.

He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science with a focus on Business Administration from Dalhousie University, a Master of Education and an Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Distance Education and Technology from Athabasca University. He holds the CAPM certification.

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