UNIFIL Sector West Commander visits Islamic University of Tyre to strengthen ties with youth and promote educational cooperation

National News

29-04-2025

NNA - The Commander of UNIFIL Sector West, Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesi, paid an official visit to the Islamic University of Tyre, where he was warmly welcomed by the University President, Dr. Ghassan Jaber, along with the academic staff and a delegation of students.
During the cordial meeting with the President, Brigadier General Mandolesi reaffirmed the continued presence of the Italian contingent in southern Lebanon, highlighting its closeness to the Lebanese people and, in particular, the attention given to youth – the true protagonists of every society's future. He also recognized the importance of the University of Tyre as a key educational institution in building a peaceful and stable future for the new generations.
The University President expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the Italian contingent . He suggested concrete initiatives such as Italian language courses and meetings between students and UNIFIL personnel to promote dialogue and greater connection with the local community.
Following the meeting, Brigadier General Mandolesi and the University President visited a classroom to engage with the students. During the session, the General outlined the role of UNIFIL and the projects being carried out in support of the local population, including medical assistance in villages and the restoration of water and electricity networks – essential services for improving living conditions in southern Lebanon.
Afterward, around one hundred students enthusiastically participated in a workshop on effective communication, conducted by the UNIFIL Sector West psychologist. The initiative, which was warmly received by participants, provided practical tools to enhance the students' interpersonal and communication skills, contributing positively to their academic and personal development.
The entire event served as a meaningful opportunity for dialogue and exchange, further strengthening the cultural bridge between Lebanon and Italy. The University President concluded by thanking UNIFIL Sector West for its ongoing efforts to promote stability in the region and for the tangible contributions of the Italian contingent in the fields of education and civil cooperation.
Jaber said, the University , welcomed the Italian Commander Mendolese and the accompanying delegation on behalf of the University President in Lebanon, Dr. Hassan Lakkis, and the university professors and students. He said that it is a happy opportunity for us today to receive General Mendolese at the head of a delegation of UNIFIL officers, and to be present with us today in this symposium presented by the Italian contingent under his patronage and presence, in which the psychologist in the Italian contingent in UNIFIL, Dr. Linda Bernardi, lectures under the slogan 'To the students, this symposium contributes to unifying and strengthening the relationship between the Italian and Lebanese peoples through the Italian contingent in UNIFIL.' Jaber pointed out that we are a people who advocate for peace and love, but what we are exposed to in Lebanon and its south as a result of the Israeli aggression is not in self-defense, and we hope time after time that our conviction will increase that the Lebanese people love life, especially the people of the south who cling to their land and every grain of soil to live in peace on the land. Jaber said that the Islamic University in Tyre and UNIFIL will have a group of meetings and activities in the near future, as well as cooperation with the state Italian to reach academic, educational and cultural relations to benefit our students in their higher education.
In conclusion, Jaber and Mendolisi exchanged memorial prayers.