Dear Colleagues and Friends,
On March 11, 2026, I convened an online meeting that brought together the ISSMGE leadership—including current and past Presidents and Vice Presidents—alongside our Scientific Committee Chair, keynote and invited speakers, my fellow LGES Council members, and the INFOMED event organizers. The objective was singular: to ensure the ultimate success and long-term impact of the inaugural Pan Mediterranean Geotechnical Engineering Conference (PMGEC).
The discussion was driven by a shared determination to ensure the professionalism and successful launch of this inaugural conference. While the group carefully considered all alternatives—including relocation—the overwhelming consensus was resolute: Beirut remains the essential home for the inaugural PMGEC.
Speaking as both the Chair of the Organizing Committee and the President of the Lebanese Geotechnical Engineering Society (LGES), I am heartened by this vote of confidence. We are not just planning a conference; we are launching a landmark Mediterranean legacy, and we believe the success of that launch is best served by staying true to our original vision.
Moving Forward
We recalibrated our timeline to set a path forward that upholds our commitment to delegate safety and to achieve full, global participation.
Anticipated Dates: October 29–31, 2026.
Vienna Confirmation: Our leadership group will reconvene this June at the 21st ICSMGE in Vienna to conduct a final evaluation. At that time, we will officially confirm the October 2026 dates or transition to a March 2027 schedule.
The fact that global geotechnical leaders joined this call to find a way forward speaks volumes about the importance of the inaugural PMGEC. By choosing a path of careful reassessment rather than an immediate move, we are ensuring that our inaugural meeting is as robust and inclusive as the Mediterranean geotechnical community itself.
I am deeply grateful to the ISSMGE leadership and our speakers for their time, their diverse perspectives, and their decisive support for our efforts here in Lebanon. Your patience and commitment are the foundation upon which this conference is built.
We look forward to welcoming you to Beirut.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Grace Abou Jaoude, Ph.D.
Chair of the Organizing Committee, PMGEC
President of the Lebanese Geotechnical Engineering Society (LGES)
