Thursday the 26th of June, 2014 marked LOST’s “Impact of Humanitarian Programs on the Local Communities in Baalbeck-Hermel” major conference which was sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands and Forum ZFD. The conference was held in in Baalbeck and was attended by representatives of UNHCR, WFP, OXFAM, Mercycorps, Save the Children, UNDP, OCHA, Forum ZFD, NRC, DOT, War Child Holland, MSF, SDC, OTI in addition to Local NGO leaders and members, social activists, university deans, professors, school principals, school teachers, municipal members, mukhtars and local key stakeholders. In all the conference housed over 130 social thinkers and decision makers.
LOST founder and director Dr. Ramy Lakkis welcomed the audience and introduced the conference elaborating on its reasons, importance and position in LOST’s vision. Next in line speaking was the representative of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands Mr. Jacco Bos who reflected on the programs the Netherlands are implementing in Lebanon, and then Forum ZFD representative Miss Jule Petra Schultz expressed her delight and optimism around the outcome of the conference.
The first workshop started with three social researchers taking stage to study “The Impact of Humanitarian Programs on social realities”. Mufti of Baalbeck-Hermel sheikh Ayman Rifai discussed the social impact of the refugee crisis and its major concern points, Head of the Lebanese General Security in Bekaa Regional Department Major Hasanain Karsifi discussed social security concerns and the role of NGOs in public awareness, and social researcher and activist Mr. Hatem Shreif discussed the efficiency of capacity building and social cohesion programs providing a needs assessment for future functions. Attendances were provided the opportunity to participate through interventions or question and answer discussions.
In the second workshop three more researchers took stage reflecting on “Health, Education and Livelihood”. Former Parliament member and Chairman of National Health Committee Dr. Ismail Sukkariyye studied numbers of the deteriorating health standards and means to repel corruption, Head of Education Department in Baalbeck-Hermel Mrs. Lamia Husaini discussed school standards and the burdens hindering school performance, and LOST member and social activist Mr. Walid Rifaie provided a detailed study on livelihood in the region. Attendances again were provided the opportunity to participate through interventions or question and answer discussions.
The conference ended with four round tables that were set up from the array of participants. These were themed round tables which discussed the following: “Enhancing Livelihood and Economic Capacity”, “Human Rights”, “Peace Building and Social Cohesion” and “Education”. These tables held discussions and suggested solutions where each table settled on a list of recommendations to be announced later.
