As part of the collaboration between the Order of Engineers and Architects in Tripoli and North Lebanon, the Mriata Al-Qadiriya Municipality, and the Faculty of Architecture and Design at City University, a ceremony was held to honor the students who participated in the Mriata Al-Qadiriya Municipal Garden Design Competition. The event was attended by a number of academic, professional, and municipal figures, alongside the participating students.

The ceremony opened with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by a speech from Dr. Rayan Najjar, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design at City University. She welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and integration among the Order of Engineers and Architects, universities, and municipalities. She praised the ongoing collaboration with Mriata Al-Qadiriya Municipality, highlighting the practical opportunities it provides for students to take part in real-world projects that address the needs of the local community. She also underscored the important role played by MP Faisal Karami in facilitating communication and building bridges between the municipality, the university, and the Faculty of Architecture and Design.

Mr. Khaled Ajjaj, Mayor of Mriata Al-Qadiriya, then delivered a welcoming address, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation between municipalities and universities. He noted that such partnerships provide an opportunity to harness academic and young talents to develop ideas and solutions that respond to the contemporary needs of Mriata and contribute to its development. He also commended the efforts of MP Faisal Karami in strengthening communication between the municipality and the university, which helped establish this partnership and ensure the success of the competition.
For his part, Architect Chawki Fattfet, President of the Order of Engineers and Architects in Tripoli and North Lebanon, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the significance of the initiative, describing it as a reflection of the cooperation and integration between the Order, the university, and municipalities. He praised the active role of MP Faisal Karami in supporting such initiatives, facilitating communication among the various stakeholders, and contributing to the success of this partnership. He affirmed the Order’s readiness to continue supporting and participating in similar initiatives, as well as to expand cooperation with municipalities across the region in ways that serve local communities and contribute to urban development.

He also emphasized the importance of empowering students and providing them with opportunities to apply their knowledge and ideas to real-world projects, stressing that investing in the talents and innovations of young people is fundamental to building a better future for both the community and the city.

Dr. Walid Dagher, President of City University, praised the initiative, commending the efforts of President of the Order of Engineers and Architects Architect Chawki Fattfet, Mayor of Mriata Al-Qadiriya Mr. Khaled Ajjaj, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Dr. Rayan Najjar, and the participating students. He wished everyone continued success and achievement in their future endeavors.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, participation certificates were presented to all students, along with consolation prizes in recognition of their efforts and participation in the competition. The top three winners were also honored and awarded the cash prizes designated for their respective positions, in recognition of their outstanding design concepts and projects. The results were as follows:

Nareman Nazer — First Place, receiving a cash prize of USD 500.
Ghina Yakhni — Second Place, receiving a cash prize of USD 350.
Ali Jamil — Third Place, receiving a cash prize of USD 300.

The competition is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnership and collaboration among the university, municipalities, and the Order of Engineers and Architects, while providing students of the Faculty of Architecture and Design with opportunities to contribute their ideas and projects to the local community and to develop innovative design solutions that respond to the needs of cities and their future aspirations.