Call for Submissions: AI Days at Lebanese Universities

DW Akademie is inviting locally registered Lebanese organizations to implement AI Days at universities across Lebanon, focusing on artificial intelligence literacy, media, and journalism education. The initiative aims to help university students understand the impact of AI on journalism, media consumption, crisis communication, and conflict reporting through innovative learning activities and practical engagement.

About the AI Days in Lebanon Programme

DW Akademie has launched the AI Days in Lebanon initiative to support artificial intelligence literacy among university students and strengthen the responsible use of emerging technologies in media and journalism.

The programme is part of DW Akademie’s wider efforts to promote quality journalism, digital education, and media and information literacy across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The initiative focuses on creating interactive university-based events where students can explore the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in journalism, communication, and society.

Objectives of the AI Days Initiative

The AI Days programme aims to:

• Increase awareness and understanding of artificial intelligence among university students.
• Promote critical thinking about AI-generated information, digital tools, and media technologies.
• Explore the role of AI in journalism, crisis communication, and conflict reporting.
• Strengthen media and information literacy among young people.
• Encourage responsible and ethical engagement with AI technologies.
• Create opportunities for students to experiment with AI tools through practical activities.

The programme is designed as a dynamic event series rather than a traditional training programme. It encourages creative formats, discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.

Target Participants and Programme Reach

The initiative aims to engage up to 200 university students across Lebanon.

Participants may include students from:

• Media and journalism faculties.
• Communication studies.
• Technology and digital fields.
• Social sciences.
• Other academic disciplines interested in artificial intelligence and its societal impact.

The programme places strong emphasis on gender balance and inclusive participation among students.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to locally registered organizations in Lebanon that have the capacity to organize and deliver AI Days at universities.

Eligible organizations should demonstrate:

• Legal registration and operation in Lebanon.
• Experience working with universities and young people.
• Existing partnerships or Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with universities, or the ability to establish such partnerships.
• Expertise in areas such as:
  • Media literacy.
  • Journalism education.
  • Digital education.
  • Artificial intelligence literacy.
  • Youth engagement.

Organizations should also have:

• Experience managing social media content moderation activities.
• Strong financial and administrative management systems.
• Experience managing service contracts funded by international public organizations.
• Clear governance, safeguarding, and compliance policies for staff and participants.

Key Activities Supported Through the Programme

Selected organizations will be responsible for designing and implementing AI Days activities at universities.

Activities may include:

• Developing interactive AI literacy sessions.
• Organizing discussions and practical demonstrations.
• Engaging AI experts, journalists, and educators.
• Creating digital outreach campaigns.
• Supporting student participation and engagement.
• Producing educational and communication materials.
• Monitoring participation and collecting feedback.

The selected organization will work closely with universities and experts to ensure that activities are relevant, inclusive, and impactful.

Funding Structure and Payment Schedule

The funding follows a deliverables-based payment model.

Payments will be released in three stages:

• 30% payment: After approval of initial deliverables, including:
  • Concept note.
  • University coordination plan.
  • Expert recruitment plan.
  • Digital outreach strategy.
• 40% payment: After approval of:
  • Detailed implementation plan.
  • Logistics and technical arrangements.
  • Outreach and communication materials.
• 30% payment: After completion of all activities and submission of:
  • Final narrative report.
  • Supporting documentation.
  • Required project outputs.

Applicants must submit a detailed technical and financial proposal with a complete budget breakdown.

All costs must include applicable local taxes, and no additional payments will be provided for unexpected expenses.

Proposal Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• A detailed technical proposal explaining the methodology.
• A financial proposal with activity-based budgeting.
• Information about organizational experience.
• Details of project team qualifications.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and visibility strategies.

The proposal should clearly explain how the organization will:

• Engage students effectively.
• Deliver innovative AI learning formats.
• Collaborate with universities.
• Measure project outcomes.
• Promote visibility and outreach.

How Applications Will Be Evaluated

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Completeness and compliance with requirements.
• Quality and creativity of the proposed methodology.
• Experience and expertise of the organization and team.
• Ability to engage universities and students.
• Strength of monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Visibility and communication strategies.
• Overall feasibility of implementation.

Only proposals that fully address the Terms of Reference requirements will be considered.

How to Apply

Interested organizations must prepare and submit:

1. A technical proposal describing the project approach.
2. A financial proposal with detailed costs.
3. Supporting organizational information.
4. Evidence of relevant experience and capacity.

Applications must be submitted by 28 July 2026 through the designated email submission process mentioned in the official call documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete technical or financial proposals.
• Providing unclear project methodologies.
• Failing to demonstrate university partnerships.
• Ignoring gender balance and inclusion requirements.
• Not explaining monitoring and evaluation methods.
• Providing budgets without clear cost breakdowns.
• Missing the application deadline.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming journalism, communication, and information systems. University students need the knowledge and skills to understand both the opportunities and risks associated with AI technologies.

The AI Days in Lebanon programme supports a new generation of informed digital citizens by improving AI literacy, encouraging responsible technology use, and strengthening the connection between artificial intelligence and quality journalism.

Through collaboration between local organizations, universities, and experts, the initiative contributes to building stronger media ecosystems and preparing young people for an increasingly AI-driven world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the AI Days in Lebanon programme?
AI Days in Lebanon is an initiative by DW Akademie that supports AI literacy events at universities in Lebanon, focusing on artificial intelligence, journalism, media, and digital education.

Who can apply for this opportunity?
Locally registered Lebanese organizations with experience in media literacy, journalism, digital education, AI literacy, and youth engagement can apply.

How many students will the programme reach?
The initiative aims to engage up to 200 university students from different faculties across Lebanon.

What topics will AI Days cover?
The programme will address AI applications in journalism, media consumption, crisis communication, conflict reporting, digital literacy, and responsible technology use.

How will selected organizations receive funding?
Funding will be provided through milestone-based payments linked to approved project deliverables and reporting requirements.

Are international organizations eligible to apply?
The opportunity is specifically intended for locally registered organizations in Lebanon.

What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 28 July 2026 according to the official submission instructions.

Conclusion

The AI Days in Lebanon programme provides an opportunity for Lebanese organizations to strengthen artificial intelligence literacy among university students while promoting responsible innovation in journalism and media.

By supporting creative university-based activities, the initiative aims to build stronger digital skills, encourage critical engagement with AI technologies, and prepare students to navigate the future of information and communication.