Dr. Firass Abiad is a surgeon and public-health leader, and the former Minister of Public Health in Lebanon. During his tenure, he led major national health-system–strengthening initiatives including the National Health Strategy, the first National Cancer Plan, a Digital Health Vision, and a Renewable Energy Strategy for public hospitals. He established the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) and directed Lebanon’s preparedness and response to successive crises—from pandemics to cholera outbreaks and conflict-related emergencies—promoting resilience, equity, and coordination across partners. Dr. Abiad currently teaches at the American University of Beirut, where he serves on the Faculty of Medicine, holds an affiliate position at the School of Public Health, and lectures at the Olayan School of Business. His work bridges health policy, emergency preparedness, and sustainable systems in fragile contexts.