DUBAI, UAE — The final cohort of 58 school students graduated from the ‘STEM for Sustainability’ program in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a final chapter of a three-year initiative.
Mr. Bazzi assumed his role on May 10, 2025, bringing nearly 30 years of combined experience in the military and nonprofit sectors. He has designed and led humanitarian and security interventions in some of the world’s most complex and fragile environments, building strong partnerships and driving multi-faceted development, capacity-building, and security initiatives.
This strategic partnership aligns with the priorities of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS3).
The agreement sets the foundation for collaboration on localised training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and sustained engagement with stakeholders across both public and private sectors.
Through this collaboration, Amideast will extend its international expertise into the Qatari market— supporting the development of a future-ready workforce tailored to national needs and private sector demands.
The benefit, which took place at the historical Sursock Museum, honored Lebanese businessman and philanthropist Philippe Jabre as Amideast’s 2024 Education Hero for his commitment to education in Lebanon through access to quality education to underprivileged as well as scholarship programs. This prestigious award recognizes those whose lifetime achievements have significantly advanced educational opportunities and inspired future generations in Lebanon and beyond.
To prepare for this intensive in-person event, 11 pre-selected alumni leaders met virtually from March 20 to April 18 to design the new alumni association structure. They also planned the content for the in-person workshop in Riyadh. During the virtual sessions, Amideast delivered training on teambuilding, inclusive leadership, strategic planning, and volunteer management. The alumni leaders were eager to envision new ways and opportunities for YES alumni to connect across the Gulf region.
In the face of heightened global crises, Amideast acknowledges that the most underserved communities, including people with disabilities, are at higher risk of increased vulnerability, limited access to resources, disrupted education, and social stigma. As we navigate these challenges globally, Amideast remains committed to advancing sustainable development goals for PwDs and ensuring that they are not left behind.
Schmidt Futures, in collaboration with the Rhodes Trust and Amideast, announced the 2023 cohort of Rise Global Winners and launched a new application cycle for the 2023-2024 Rise Challenge. Rise is a program that finds promising young people, aged 15-17, and provides them with opportunities that allow them to work together to serve others over their lifetimes.
Amideast hosted a festive reception last night at The Phillips Collection to thank its friends and partners, to bid a fond farewell to long-serving former president and CEO, Ambassador (ret.) Theodore H. Kattouf, and to welcome its new president and CEO, Ambassador (ret.) Greta C. Holtz.
The Skills for Success® program helps participants access economic opportunities by improving their proficiency in workplace English and equipping them with personal and professional skills that facilitate their employability. To date, Amideast has assisted 144 participants with work or internship placement.
Ambassador Kattouf has served as Amideast’s president and CEO since September 2003, successfully guiding the organization through periods of regional and global challenges that have included the “Arab Spring” and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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