IB Day: Conscious Education for Tomorrow
Under the patronage of Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Rima Karami, and with the support of the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development, the Association of IB World Schools in Lebanon, in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), held “IB Day in Lebanon 2025”, themed “Conscious Education for Tomorrow.”
This significant educational event – held for the first time in Lebanon, particularly at Rafic Hariri High School in Saida – brought more than 700 educators, school principals, and IB practitioners from around 62 public and private schools across Lebanon, with the participation of over 80 trainers, all focused on inclusive, future-forward teaching and learning approaches. Participants engaged in over 70 interactive educational workshops, developed by IB educators from 15 schools and IBO experts. These sessions provided a platform to explore innovative teaching strategies and reimagine learning as intentional, balanced, inclusive, and future-oriented.
Accompanied by Hariri Foundation President Mrs. Bahia Hariri, Minister Karami toured the workshops and working sessions. She praised the event’s organization and emphasized that many aspects of the IB program intersect with the vision for quality and inclusive education in national schools, whether public or private. She stressed the importance of civic education and collective responsibility in enhancing the national school.
Bahia Hariri
The ceremony began with the Lebanese national anthem and a traditional welcome dance by students of the school’s dance club.
Mrs. Bahia Hariri delivered that today marks the birth of a new era in Lebanese education – characterized by partnership, renewal, openness to the world, and pride in our rich educational heritage.”
She added that IB Day is not just an event but the launch of a national pathway that merges IB values with a Lebanese vision for educational justice. She described official recognition of the IB in Lebanon as a historic opportunity to redefine education – not just as academic achievement but as a tool for building a new, critical, open-minded, civically engaged Lebanese citizen.
She addressed educators as the heart and guardians of this transformation, saying: “This is a moment of empowerment, yes – but also of reflection. We train today not to teach answers but to teach students to ask questions… not to produce followers, but citizens and collaborators.”
Hariri concluded: “We hope this day will be the cornerstone of building a new school, a new nation, and a new identity – in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the IBO, the Association of IB Schools in Lebanon, and Arab and international development organizations.”
Dr. Rima Karami, Minister of Education and Higher Education
Minister Karami addressed the educators about celebrating educational models that remind us of what education can achieve and our shared responsibility as educators. She emphasized that the teaching profession is a noble mission and that lifelong learning is essential. She praised the merging of public and private school networks and hoped to see a united national teaching identity.
Karami addressed Bahia Hariri directly: “When we signed our protocol as education ministers, you told me many things can be achieved outside the ministry. Seeing what you’ve done since leaving office, you’re truly an example to follow.”
Also, she affirmed the alignment between IB principles and the vision for a national school in Lebanon – one that emphasizes civic values, embraces diversity, and aims for educational excellence, regardless of the curriculum adopted.
She concluded that it’s inspiring to know that the trainers volunteered their time – an act that reflects the true spirit of committed educators.
Mary Tadros, Development and Recognition Manager, Middle East, IBO
Mrs. Mary Tadros noted that this is not just the first IB Day in Lebanon – it is the most successful. Lebanon is the first country to implement the IB in public schools – an inspiring global model, made possible by Bahia Hariri’s tireless support.
She thanked the Hariri Foundation, Rafic Hariri High School, and all educators involved.
Rania Jibaie, Academic Dean & IBDP Coordinator
Rania Jabaai described the event as a celebration of lifelong learning, resilience, and collaboration and commended the presence of 700 educators from 62 schools and expressed gratitude to Ms. Mary Tadros for her unwavering support.
She, also thanked the Ministry of Education, Bahia Hariri, the Hariri Foundation, and all contributors, hoping the event would foster new ideas and national-level collaboration.
Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General, IBO (Video Message)
Heinonen thanked educators and school principale for resilience and belief in the power of education. He added: “You’ve shown what real leadership looks like – supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and centering students.”
He praised Hariri for her vision to bring IB to public schools and expressed appreciation for Lebanese educators’ dedication to real change.
Hafe Binyan, IBO (Video Message)
Binyan praised the resilience of Lebanon amid past challenges, affirming: “Lebanon continues to believe in the power of education to build nations. The progress of IB in Lebanon – especially its entrance into public schools – is due in large part to the dedication of Mrs. Bahia Hariri and the Ministry of Education.”
He encouraged continued cooperation, especially between private and public schools.
Adrian Kearney, IB Schools Director (Video Message)
Kearney welcomed attendees by stating that it is a personal honor to joining in celebrating learning, collaboration, and our shared IB values.
He acknowledged the impressive attendance from over 60 schools and praised Lebanese educators for their commitment despite adversity:
“You are exceptional educators, always putting your students’ well-being and success first.”