Welcome to FES Lebanon

Designed to run over several weeks, the program offers young activists and community leaders a unique opportunity to strengthen their understanding of good governance, active citizenship, and political participation in Lebanon. Through a series of interactive modules combining in-person and online sessions, participants will explore the foundations of civic engagement, develop strategic advocacy projects, and gain hands-on experience with campaign tools, media outreach, and stakeholder engagement. The program also provides individualized mentoring and concludes with a public engagement and pitching event, where participants showcase their initiatives and receive feedback from experts and peers. By equipping a new generation with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for accountability and reform, this initiative seeks to foster inclusive dialogue and empower youth to drive meaningful social and political change in their communities.

The Arab Region Meeting of Global Union Federations (GUFs) and Trade Union Solidarity Support Organizations (TUSSO’s) was held on September 11–12, 2025, in Beirut. Organized with the support of FES Lebanon, the meeting brought together trade union representatives, experts, and solidarity partners from across the region to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation. Discussions focused on international and regional union campaigns around democracy at work, digital platforms, just transition, health and safety, and the care economy. Participants also examined the challenges facing trade union freedoms and independent unions in the Arab region, identifying common obstacles and prospects for collaboration. A special session was dedicated to Lebanon, exploring new strategies for union engagement and highlighting the emerging movement of contracted teachers. The two-day event provided a platform to build shared strategies, deepen solidarity, and reaffirm the role of unions in promoting rights, reform, and social justice.

FES, in partnership with 1Morecup, organized a panel discussion entitled “Breaking Barriers: Strategies for Engaging Marginalized Communities in the Electoral Process in Lebanon.” The event brought together activists, experts, and community leaders to exchange ideas and share strategies for advancing the political participation of women and other marginalized groups. Discussions highlighted the importance of collective advocacy, inclusive structures, and intersectional approaches to civic engagement. The panel provided a dynamic space for dialogue, amplifying diverse voices and reaffirming the role of women as key actors in shaping a more democratic and inclusive future in Lebanon.

In partnership with Mouasher, FES is organizing a series of events across different Lebanese cities under the theme “Social Protection in Lebanon: A Right for Every Citizen.” The discussions focus on key issues such as labor law, social security, and the new pension system, creating spaces for dialogue with workers, experts, and local communities. These gatherings aim to raise awareness, promote inclusive debate, and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive social protection reforms that guarantee dignity and rights for all citizens.

The event, organized by the Beirut Bar Association in collaboration with FES Lebanon, brought together an engaged community of legal professionals, experts, and advocates who share a deep commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending human rights. It was an important space to exchange perspectives, highlight the challenges faced in practice, and underline the responsibility of lawyers in strengthening access to justice in Lebanon.

Through this dialogue, participants reaffirmed that the legal profession has a pivotal role to play in promoting accountability, protecting vulnerable groups, and ensuring that constitutional guarantees are not only respected in theory but also applied effectively in daily legal practice.