Friday, May 27, 2016 the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) organized a youth conference entitled “The Role of Youth in Local Development; A Call for Action” in Qasr Baalbeck Restaurant. The conference that was attended by local activists, religious figures, municipal representatives, and the Swedish Ambassador in Lebanon voiced the suggestions of 120 youth from more than eight villages in Baalbeck-Hermel to better their areas.
The youth’s developmental vision is derived from profound discussions with experts and social activists who helped the youth to carve genuine mechanisms to achieve the region’s prosperity and overcome its challenges. The youth participants are calling upon donors to fund their action plans pertaining to the following domains: traffic safety in Baalbeck, drug lesion in Britel, sewage systems in Ersal, youth centers in Deir El Ahmar, stray bullets in Chmestar, security challenges in Hermel, health care services in Ein and Fakiha, and agricultural obstacles in Labweh.
Dr. Ramy Lakkis, LOST’s founder, delivered a speech in which he praised the youth’s participation in the developmental cycle and backed them up in their demands. He underscored the challenges they raised and considered them “emanating from the youth’s daily suffering and genuine understanding of their environment,” as he said.
The Swedish Ambassador to Lebanon, Peter Semneby, extolled the culture of multiculturalism in Lebanon and considered it a potential model for the region in terms of coexistence. He highlighted the importance of the civil society and the need for empowering women and youth in Lebanon for a socially stable construct.
“The Role of Youth in Local Development” forum is designed by LOST to induce “A Call for Action” upon local and international donors who can, via listening to the voice of youth, generate a culture of participation, good governance, and responsiveness.
