The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) organized a launching event for the “Youth Solidarity Against Extremism” project, in partnership with the Embassy of Netherlands, funded by the generous donations of the people of the Kingdom of Netherlands. The event took place at LOST’s main branch in Baalbeck, and was attended by several actors in the society, the youth, Mr. Shafiq Kassem Shehade, the vice president of the Union of Baalbeck Municipalities, and other municipality presidents of areas where the project will take place. This conference aimed at networking between the stakeholders and the youth, in order to get their full support.
YSAE’s main goal is directed towards promoting and spreading a culture of civil peace and positive dialogue among youth, eliminating extremism, and consolidating the values of protection and respect of human rights. It targets 1,000 youth activists, and extends over two years. This project will be implemented in the towns of Baalbeck, Ein, Hermel, Bouday, Bedneyel, Britel, Ersal, Chaat, Saadnayel, and Al Marj.
Dr. Rami Lakkis, founder of LOST, delivered a speech highlighting that extremism is not a fixed feature, it is a state having one inarguable logic, thinking and solutions, and that there is political extremism manifested by the marginalization of other political forces, which makes people feel like they have no political right. Additionally, Dr. Lakkis stressed that “the project also aims at devising programs to stand against the collective problem, and reflect the application of mechanisms for finding appropriate solutions”. Dr. Lakkis also invited youth to design community projects that enhance the sense of belonging to society, contribute to activate the language of dialogue, and to stay away from violence and extremism. He believes that solutions should be the outcome of shared ideas and discussions based on faith in the logic of sharing with others.
At the end of the event, a discussion was conducted about the causes and risks of extremism and methods of reducing it.
