“Green Passion from AUB to the world” was the title of a lecture delivered by AFED secretary general Najib Saab at the American University of Beirut (AUB), as part of the Keepers of the Land lecture series, at the invitation of the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU). He ended addressing the students: “It is Your Turn, Keep Your Passion Alive.”
Starting with a brief introduction, he went through main stages since he joined AUB in 1972:
- Starting Wujhat Nazar magazine in 1973, which developed into a vibrant student movement, and carried out major voluntary development projects, mainly in South Lebanon.
- Writing for Annahar newspaper between 1972-77, culminating with a series of reports on local building material and methods that respect environment and nature.
- Working for UNEP between 1977-79, under Mostapha Kamal Tolba, where he gained regional and global knowledge, mainly on renewable energy and sustainable buildings.
- Founding MEEA in 1979 as a regional consultancy specialized in environmental design, and was very active in solar energy.
- Using first income from MEEA to start MECTAT, a regional appropriate technology center.
- Establishing Al-Bia Wal-Tanmia in 1996, as the first mass circulation magazine on environment in Arabic. It was self-financed, using his income as corporate architect.
- In cooperation with 12 environment, thought and business leaders from across the Arab countries, starting Arab forum for Environment & Development (AFED) in 2006, on the 10thanniversary of the magazine. AFED produced 14 comprehensive reports on aspects of Arab environment and climate, and programs ranging from environmental education to Corporate Environment Responsibility.
Saab was presented with Keepers of the Land award by the ESDU team, in recognition of his contributions.