Around 200?young people from universities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Lebanon engaged in a virtual dialogue on the role of youth and civil society organizations in the mobilization following the 4 August 2020 explosion in Beirut.
The blast killed at least 215 people, injured thousands, and left hundreds of thousands homeless.
The dialogue was part of a two-day Virtual NGO Forum organized by the American University of Beirut (AUB), in collaboration with St. Joseph’s University (USJ) and the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Beirut.
UN experts joined other local experts to reflect on the experiences of people involved in the humanitarian response. ?They offered youth the opportunity to learn about intervention sectors, the scope of work of organizations, and volunteering placements.
UNIC Beirut Director Margo Helou said she is very grateful that the American University of Beirut and St. Joseph’s University resumed this forum, even if virtually, to provide young people with opportunities to serve their communities.
She commended young people for their remarkable community-based response to the blast, which showed empathy for others.
“Immediately after the explosions, a massive mobilization from both the Lebanese civil society and private individuals, including young volunteers, led to an influx of much-needed assistance to the affected population,” said OCHA Lebanon Deputy Head of Office Helena Mazarro.
“This was an extraordinary demonstration of solidarity for the Lebanese people across the country and beyond.”
Edwina Zoghbi, National Professional Officer, WHO, said it was a pleasure to share the experience of the WHO in mental health and psychosocial support and to learn from others:? “The interaction with youth enriched the discussion and revealed the potential youth have to make a difference.”
Lady Habchy, Project Support Officer with UN-Habitat, focused on urban rehabilitation of areas affected by the blast.
“Beirut shows clearly how cities have to be considered as a ‘cultural construct’, where built structures and open urban spaces are closely linked to the social fabric,” said Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, Programme Coordinator of Li Beirut initiative at UNESCO.
“The paramount role of culture … is evident, if the recovery and reconstruction efforts want to achieve a resilient and sustainable inclusive society.”
