The conference was chaired by Dr. Ali Jahami from the University of Balamand, Lebanon, and Prof. George Wardeh from CY Cergy-Paris University, France, and the head of the scientific committee, Prof. Jamal Khatib from Beirut Arab University, Lebanon, and University of Wolverhampton, UK, with Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, the chairman and founder of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), as the honorary chairman.

Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh’s Visionary Leadership

Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, the honorary chairman of the conference, played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s agenda and ensuring its success. Known for his visionary leadership and dedication to sustainability, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address global challenges in civil engineering.

Conference Main Discussions and Themes

The three-day conference featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and paper presentations that delved into various aspects of sustainable civil engineering. Keynote speakers included:

• Said Kenai from University Saad Dahleb-Blida 1, Algeria, who discussed the “Performance of Sustainable Agro Waste Cementitious Composites”.
• Joseph Assaad from the University of Balamand, Lebanon, who presented “An overview on the rheology and durability of flowable concrete containing polymer latexes”.
• Jamal Khatib from Beirut Arab University, Lebanon, and University of Wolverhampton, UK, who discussed the “Using of innovative materials in construction”.
• Hakim S. Abdelgader from the University of Tripoli, Libya, who shared insights on “Two-Stage Concrete as a Sustainable Production”.
• Arezki Tagnit Hamou from the University of Sherbrooke, Canada, who discussed the “Alternative Cementitious Materials in The Concept of Low-Carbon Concrete – From Innovation to Application”.
• Mehmet Serkan Kırgız from Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Turkey, who presented on “Carbon Nano Dots-Based Cost-Effective and Sustainable Binder Systems in Today’s Construction Applications for Realizing Sustainable Development Goals of UN and Cleaner Built Environment”.

The conference was structured around six main sessions, each focusing on specific themes within sustainable civil engineering. These themes included:

• Innovations in Structural and Infrastructure Engineering, covering advanced materials and innovative construction techniques.
• Sustainable Construction Practices emphasized the durability and performance of new materials and methods.
• The Artificial Intelligence in Civil Engineering session explored the integration of AI for maintenance and optimization.
• Environmental Engineering focused on eco-friendly materials and processes to reduce the environmental impact of construction.
• Project Management highlighted frameworks for assessing and managing sustainability in construction projects.
• Lastly, Regional and Global Challenges addressed the development of resilient infrastructure and the impact of structural irregularities on seismic response.

Awards and Recognitions

The conference honored outstanding research contributions with the following awards:

• Doctoral Research Excellence Award: Eng. Bassel Bakleh, Higher Institute of Earthquake Studies and Research (HIESR), Damascus University, Syria, for his work on Analytical Modeling of the Coupled Damage-Creep Effect in Reinforced Concrete Beams.
• Masters Research Excellence Award: Eng. Sara Eid Hassane Hassane Ahmed, University of Sharjah in United Arab Emirates, for her innovative study on Integration of Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles and Carbon Nanotubes for Enhancing Asphalt Binder Properties.
• Research Excellence Award for Low-Income Country Scholars: Dr. Baraa Farag, AL-Baath University, Syria, for her research on The effect of the type and location of irregularities on the seismic response of dual structural systems.

Attendees praised the conference for its comprehensive coverage of topics and the quality of discussions. Many participants highlighted the value of the virtual format in fostering global collaboration without geographical constraints.

Dr. Ali Jahami, one of the conference chairs, remarked, “This conference has set a new standard for how we approach and discuss sustainability in civil engineering. The level of engagement and the quality of research presented here are truly inspiring.”

Looking forward, Scientific Steps International Publishing Services L.L.C. announced plans to host the next SCCEE conference in 2025, building on the success of this inaugural event.

The First SCCEE International Virtual Conference has laid the foundation for future advancements in sustainable civil engineering, highlighting the importance of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to building a better future.

The End