Looking Inwards for Solutions to National, Regional and Global Crises

In past months, we have witnessed a phenomenon steadily gaining momentum in Lebanon. For too long, the perception was that the Lebanese people viewed themselves only in a larger geopolitical context in relationship to rival international “axes,” making all other considerations of secondary importance. However, recent developments in the country have turned their focus inwards and driven them to ask more vital questions linked to both their rights and their identity.

This supplement, in both its print form and its electronic version since December 2019, is funded by Germany through the German Development Bank KfW, and echoes the dedication and full support of Germany to nurture safe and positive media spaces for public debate that promote a rational and hate-free discourse as part of UNDP’s peace building mission.

In a time of such momentous change, this participatory media sphere in your hands is important to reflect the state of advanced awareness of the Lebanese in discovering themselves again and recognizing their huge potential. Taking their cue from the discourse in public squares and streets, the contributors to this issue of the supplement, including researchers, activists, writers and artists, discuss the latest social movements in the country as part of a national exercise to rethink and reevaluate the meaning of citizenship and engagement in public life, which can forge better inclusion, drive reform and ultimately lead to sustainable peace building.