SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Phoenicia University is committed to advancing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through fair employment practices, career development services, and community-focused training programs — bridging education and the labor market to build a skilled, inclusive workforce.

Institutional Partnership

Phoenicia University and Ministry of Economy and Trade Sign MoU — Advancing SDG 8

Phoenicia University (PU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Economy and Trade, directly supporting SDG 8. The agreement builds a skilled, work-ready generation through supervised student internships within MoET directorates, joint research on SMEs and the digital economy, and support for startups through mentorship and business development clinics — linking academic training to real economic policy work.

Phoenicia University Signs MoU with Data Consult S.A.L.

Phoenicia University partnered with Data Consult S.A.L., a leading IT and digital transformation provider, in direct support of SDG 8. The MoU offers PU students internships and training in high-demand fields such as AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, alongside joint research and industry-led workshops — strengthening the University's role in building a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Employment Practices

Discrimination and Harassment

Phoenicia University maintains a formal Discrimination and Harassment Policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, age, religion, national origin, marital status, and other protected characteristics — applying to staff, faculty, students, visitors, and third parties such as suppliers and contractors. Reporting channels through Human Resources, together with protection against retaliation, support fair and decent working conditions.

Discrimination and Harassment Policy 

Prevention of Forced Labor, Modern Slavery, and Child Labor

Phoenicia University maintains a strict, zero-tolerance policy against forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor, in full compliance with Lebanese Labor Law (Articles 21–25) and applicable international standards. This commitment extends beyond direct employment to partnerships, suppliers, and contractors. Confidential and anonymous reporting channels are available to students, staff, and faculty to raise concerns, with all cases investigated promptly and appropriate remedial action taken. (Recruitment policy)

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

Phoenicia University recognizes freedom of association and collective bargaining, respecting employees' rights to organize and engage in collective dialogue in accordance with Lebanese labor law.

Occupational Health and Safety

PU is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. This commitment is embedded in the Faculty Code of Conduct, which requires all faculty to act in a manner that supports the safety, health, and wellbeing of the PU community. It is further reinforced through the University's Drug and Alcohol-Free Environment policy and Non-Smoking Policy, which maintain a safe workplace and learning environment across all campus premises.

Faculty Handbook 

Grievance Policy and Procedure

Phoenicia University provides a formal, structured Grievance Policy and Procedure enabling faculty, staff, and students to raise concerns related to employment, academic, or non-academic matters. The policy sets out clear informal and formal resolution steps, defined timelines, impartial investigation committees, and a right to appeal. Retaliation against anyone who files a grievance or participates in the process is strictly prohibited.

Grievance Policy and Procedure 

Equal Opportunity — Including Outsourced Personnel

PU's Equal Employment Opportunities Policy governs all aspects of employment — recruitment, compensation, promotion, transfer, and termination — with a commitment to professional growth, non-discrimination and equal treatment. Its scope explicitly extends to third parties, including contractors, vendors, and mentors, ensuring equivalent standards apply to outsourced personnel as well as direct staff and faculty.

Equal Employment Opportunities Policy 

Gender Representation & Pay (Academic Year 2024–2025)

Phoenicia University publicly monitors and reports gender pay gap indicators as part of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

For 2024–2025, the mean gender pay gap stands at 13.97% and the median at 9.33%, reflecting patterns across grades, job families, and seniority levels rather than pay for comparable roles. Women hold the majority of academic (54.6%), non-academic (64.4%), and leadership (65.2%) positions, including two of the six College Deans.

The Equal Employment Opportunities Policy commits the University to ensuring compensation and advancement decisions are made without regard to gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics, with Human Resources responsible for monitoring compliance.

Gender Pay Gap 

Appeal Process

PU's Staff Handbook establishes a formal grievance process for staff to raise and resolve employment-related concerns. Employees are first encouraged to resolve issues informally with their direct supervisor; if unresolved, the matter is escalated to Human Resources for a fair, timely resolution involving evidence review and, where needed, formal investigation.

(Outlined in Staff Handbook, "Grievances," p.17)

Grievance Policy and Procedure 

Faculty Handbook 

Labour Rights

PU's employment practices are governed in accordance with Lebanese Labor Law, covering termination procedures, leave entitlements (annual, sick, maternity, and bereavement leave), attendance and working hours, and return of University property upon separation. Employees also have access to structured onboarding, performance appraisals, and professional development opportunities as part of their employment terms.

(Outlined in Staff Handbook, "Termination," "Leaves," and "Attendance," pp.12–14)

Career Development & Employability

Career Center

The PU Career Center (PUCC) continuously assesses evolving job market needs and adapts PU's academic offerings to ensure students are well-prepared for employment — directly supporting SDG 8's goal of expanding access to decent work. PUCC guidance includes:

• Job and internship opportunities: access to a wide range of options to launch careers or gain hands-on experience.
• Personalized career guidance and counseling: one-on-one mentoring tailored to each student's aspirations.
• Expert Assistance in Crafting Professional Documents: help crafting CVs and cover letters that improve interview chances.
• Interview preparation: practical skills training for navigating interviews successfully.
• Skill and competency assessment: aligning academic strengths with job market demands.
• Career orientation: guidance for informed, purposeful career decisions.

PUCC also facilitates job and internship placements with local, regional, and international companies, and hosts campus events where employers share insights and run preparation workshops.

All PU academic programs (100%) require students to complete a mandatory internship of at least one month, ensuring every graduate gains direct, hands-on work experience before entering the job market. The Career Center plays a key role in facilitating these internship placements by connecting students with reputable companies and organizations.

Phoenicia University Selected to Join the EUSEEDS Project

In December 2025 PU was selected — among 24 universities from a large regional applicant pool — to join EUSEEDS, an EU-co-funded regional project under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme aimed at enhancing youth employability, entrepreneurship, and digital skills across the Eastern Mediterranean, led by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). As part of the project, PU will establish a dedicated EUSEEDS Employability & Entrepreneurship Center, equipping students and community members with skills for employment and venture creation while strengthening collaboration with 23 partner universities.

EUSEEDS addresses youth unemployment by bridging the gap between higher education and labor market needs. Through 24 university-based centers, the project will train more than 7,000 students and recent graduates in digital competencies, soft skills, and entrepreneurship, while providing digital literacy training to vulnerable community members — advancing SDG 8's targets on youth employment and entrepreneurship support.

Phoenicia University Selected to Join the EUSEEDS Project | Phoenicia University 

Consumer Rights and Economic Growth: A Dialogue with the Ministry of Economy

Phoenicia University hosted an interview with Dr. Mohamed Abo Haidar, Director General of the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade, on consumer rights protection and Lebanon's economic development. Dr. Abo Haidar addressed the importance of protecting products, brands, and intellectual property, the Ministry's efforts to ensure market integrity and fair commercial practices, and government measures to regulate U.S. dollar pricing and improve market transparency. He also outlined the Ministry's plans to digitize government paperwork and public services to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

The session, which included a Q&A with students and faculty, reflects SDG 8's emphasis on strong market institutions, consumer protection, and economic transparency as foundations for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Interview with Dr. Mohamed Abo Haidar on Consumer Rights and Economic Development | Phoenicia University 

Vocational Training

PU Incubator

The PU Incubator promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development by giving students, graduates, researchers, and community members access to training, mentorship, and practical resources through workshops and specialized facilities. It contributes to SDG 8 by fostering entrepreneurship and workforce development.

Incubator | Phoenicia University 

PU Incubator Empowers Local Community 

PU Incubator Info Session Series 

Center for Continuing Education (CCE)

The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) serves as PU's hub for lifelong learning, professional development, and industry engagement — open to both the University community and the public. It expands access to education, enhances workforce competencies, and supports organizations through customized training and human capital development. Programs, developed from Training Needs Assessments and delivered by academics, consultants, and industry practitioners, combine short courses, certificate programs, and tailored workshops.

By equipping individuals and organizations with market-relevant skills, the CCE directly strengthen employability, productivity, and sustainable economic development across Lebanon.

Introduction | Phoenicia University 

Certificates and Diploma Programs 

EmpowerAI+ 

Certificate in AI & Data Science 

Vocational and Professional Enhancement (with LWAH)

In partnership with the Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped (LWAH) and through the PU Incubator, PU provides inclusive, free vocational training that promotes lifelong learning and equitable access to skills development, regardless of academic background or disability status.

In 2024, 325 community members participated in these workshops, gaining practical skills that enhance employability, independence, and economic self-reliance. Year-round workshops include Sewing, Orthotics, Prosthetics, Medical Appliances and Medical Shoes, and Mobility Aids Repair, with graduates supported in accessing employment opportunities. Additional periodic workshops cover trades such as jewellery making, carpentry, pottery, and carpet weaving, offering further pathways toward income generation and entrepreneurship.

By equipping participants — particularly persons with disabilities — with marketable, income-generating skills and direct pathways to employment, the program directly supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), alongside SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Vocational Training Workshops | Phoenicia University 

LWAH 

Conclusion

Through its partnerships, policies, and training initiatives, Phoenicia University continues to advance SDG 8 by promoting fair labor practices, expanding access to skills development, and preparing students and community members for meaningful, sustainable employment.