08:00 – 09:00 REGISTRATION & LIGHT BREAKFAST

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09:30 – 11:00 LDE MONTREAL OFFICIAL OPENING

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11:00 – 11:15 COFFEE BREAK

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11:15 – 12:30 SESSION 1: “LEBANITY”

What makes us Lebanese? How do we define Lebanity? Do frontiers and generations alter our identity? What do Lebanese at home and in the diaspora have in common, and how can our strengths be put to good use in – and outside – Lebanon? Lebanese men and women all over the world have been succeeding brilliantly in many fields as individuals. How can we become a strong collective? What are the main Lebanese values that we can build on? Today Lebanon faces many challenges and desperately needs to rely on its diaspora and its youth. How do we keep our children born in adoptive countries interested in Lebanon? Can we prevent Lebanity from dilution in future generations?
The panel:
generation I, II and III from the Lebanese diaspora, influencers who have Lebanon at heart, will discuss issues such as: identity v/s citizenship, Lebanese strengths and weaknesses, the diaspora’s responsibilities towards the adoptive land and the homeland, opportunities and solutions.

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12:45 – 14:00 LUNCH

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14:00 – 15:15 SESSION 2: “GAS & OIL”

Tapping on the business opportunities generated by Lebanon’s Oil and Gas Exploration
Lebanon oil and natural gas sector is not only about exploring and drilling. This major undertaking will have spillover effects on a myriad of investment and business opportunities for small and medium enterprises, in direct and related activities, such as real estate, transportation, logistics, financial, human resources, and professional services. Cleantech start-ups are also bringing innovative solutions to this industry.
The panel will explore the sustainable conditions and structural reforms that will encourage North-American companies and experts of Lebanese origin to participate and support the emerging ecosystem of this promising sector. This can be materialized through the transfer of technology, know-how sharing and direct investment.

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15:15 – 16:30 SESSION 3: “EDUCATION”

Are Lebanese Graduates Ready to Embrace the Evolving Tech-Driven Workplace? The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and New Technology on Lebanon’s Higher Education.
Higher education is caught amid whirlwind changes taking place. They are technological, though also demographic, social, and economic. Given the possibility – even likelihood – of being outpaced, universities need to pivot quickly. Foresight requires a swift follow-through of smart, timely, adequate responses. Engaged universities anticipate changes and make the necessary transformations. This panel is about thinking of the future – what it will look like given regional differences, academic cultures, and institutional capacity to innovate.
Topics for discussion are:

• How artificial intelligence stands to impact education and research financing
• Trends in continuing education
• Importance of student diversity

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16:30 COFFEE BREAK

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16:45 – 18:00 SESSION 4: “GASTRO-DIPLOMACY”

Boosting the exportation of main Lebanese culinary products in North-America through the initiative of the “Gastronomic Diplomacy”.
Food is ID and our Lebanese heritage is well known by its rich culinary art and the diversity of its products. A Lebanese table is the key in assembling people together by creating unforgettable precious moments. With the “Gastronomic Diplomacy” launched by the MoFA during the LDE in May 2018, it is essential today to create a specialized entity dedicated to the promotion of this special heritage by helping the exportation of some of the main Lebanese specialties like wine, arak, olive oil and thyme.

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20:00 – 12:00 GALA (BY INVITATION ONLY)

08:00 - 08:30 LIGHT BREAKFAST

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08:30 – 09:30 SESSION 5: “LDE STARTUP COMMUNITY - MEET THE NEXTGEN ENTREPRENEURS”

NextGen Entrepreneurs from Lebanon, Canada and US will present their Startups and will be available at the “LDE Startup Village” for matchmaking.

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09:45 - 10:45 SESSION 6: “LDE STARTUP SPRINT - MEET THE NEXTGEN TALENTS”

After more than 36 hours of working, with the guidance of mentors, to develop their innovative ideas, teams will be evaluated by a committee and selected ones will get the chance to pitch their ideas in front of a jury and the audience. Prizes will be offered to the finalists.

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11:00 – 12:30 SESSION 7: “MULTICULTURAL INNOVATION CORRIDOR”

Innovation and entrepreneurship are part of the Lebanese DNA and many North-American startups have Lebanese among their founders and some Startups in Lebanon are ready and looking to expand to North-America. In support to the Lebanese Startup community, this panel will highlight the opportunities and expertise of all stakeholders to collaborate in order to bridge the Lebanese and North-American ecosystems.

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12:30 – 13.00 H.E. MINISTER GEBRAN BASSIL - “TOGETHER TOWARDS NEW HORIZONS”

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13:00 – 17:00 NEXTGEN FESTIVAL : YOUTH CREATIVITY AND TALENTS

Lunch with different stations highlighting the artistic talents of our Youth (music, fashion, painting, etc…)
LDE Hydepark: "تَيوصَل صوت الإغتراب..."
Animated by MTV Lebanon:
The perfect platform to share and discuss freely your views and opinions.

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18:30 OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LEBANESE FILM FESTIVAL IN CANADA: “The Insult” (Ziad Doueiry)

In the presence of renowned Lebanese actors Camille Salameh, Nada Abou-Farhat and Badih Abou-Chacra (Red Carpet Event)

Salle André-Mathieu
475, Boul. de l’Avenir, Laval, Québec, H7N 5H9

Tickets: Click here