Latest news with #MaroniteFoundation
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's PM encourages young diaspora to engage in political, economic, and cultural life on heritage visit
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam hosted members of the Maronite Foundation and 80 young Lebanese from the diaspora on Tuesday as part of a program visit to Lebanon, telling them their connection to the country is "not just a polite greeting, but a truth." In a speech at the gathering, Salam described the group as a "living bridge between Lebanon and the world," urging them to view their heritage as a source of strength. "Looking at you today, I see more than just a group of young visitors. I see the living bridge between Lebanon and the world. You connect this small but historic country to the global stage," he said He acknowledged Lebanon's political and economic challenges, but stressed that the government is committed to reforms and to ensuring state control over all arms. Salam called on the young visitors to contribute beyond financial support, encouraging them to engage in the country's political, economic, and cultural life. "Lebanon's story is not complete without you. Plant the seeds of involvement now, so your bond with Lebanon is not just a memory, but an active commitment." The prime minister urged them to carry Lebanon with them abroad, in their words, work, and advocacy, and pledged to build a country worthy of their pride. "When you return abroad, do not leave Lebanon behind. Carry it with you in your words, your work, and your actions. Defend it when it is misunderstood. Support it when it struggles. Celebrate it when it succeeds. The real distance between you and Lebanon is not measured in miles, but in how much of it you keep alive in your heart and your daily life," Salam added. "Welcome home, today, and always," he concluded.
MTV Lebanon
2 days ago
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Salam before Maronite Diaspora Foundation delegation: We will continue to work through reform and accountability
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam hosted at the Grand Serail, members of the Maronite Foundation, along with 80 young Lebanese diaspora members participating in a program visit to Lebanon. In his delivered speech before the delegation, Premier Salam said: '' Welcome home. I say that not as a polite greeting, but as a truth. Whether you flew here from Buenos Aires, Sydney, Montreal, Paris, Los Angeles, or anywhere in between, this land is part of your story. Even if you've never walked its streets before, you carry it in your name, in your family's stories, in the values and traditions you grew up with. Looking at you today, I see more than just a group of young visitors. I see the living bridge between Lebanon and the world. You connect this small but historic country to the global stage. You bring with you two sets of gifts — the opportunities, knowledge, and experiences from where you live, and the roots, heritage, and identity of Lebanon. That combination makes you powerful. Your presence here is not just a symbolic visit. It is a statement — that Lebanon is not forgotten, that despite distance and time, the connection remains alive. And as you travel through our mountains, visit our valleys, and speak with people here, you are participating in a dialogue between Lebanon's past and its future. Let me be honest with you: Lebanon today is not where we want it to be. We face political challenges, economic hardship, and the consequences of years of instability. But we are determined — as a government and as a people — to rebuild. This can only be achieved through an ambitious reform agenda, and working towards ensuring that the state has the monopoly of arms, both of which we have embarked on. We are laying the foundation for something different: a respected, sovereign state that serves all its citizens, wherever they live. This means rebuilding not just infrastructure and institutions, but also rebuilding trust — trust between the state and its people, and trust between Lebanese at home and Lebanese abroad. For too long, the role of the diaspora has been seen too narrowly — as if your only contribution is sending money to support families back home. Of course, your financial support has been vital, but you are more than that. We want you to be active participants in Lebanon's life — in its politics, its economy, its culture, and its voice in the world. Lebanon's story is not complete without you. This is not just your parents' or grandparents' homeland. And like every living story, it needs new chapters — written by new generations. While you are here, connect deeply. See Lebanon as it is — in all its beauty and all its challenges. Think about what you can contribute, whether through your profession, your networks, your investments, or your advocacy. Plant the seeds of involvement now, so your bond with Lebanon is not just a memory, but an active commitment. And when you return abroad, do not leave Lebanon behind. Carry it with you in your words, your work, and your actions. Defend it when it is misunderstood. Support it when it struggles. Celebrate it when it succeeds. The real distance between you and Lebanon is not measured in miles, but in how much of it you keep alive in your heart and in your daily life. On behalf of the government, I thank you for coming, for caring, and for believing. And I promise you: we will continue to work — through reform, accountability, and rebuilding — to create a Lebanon worthy of your pride, and a Lebanon that will always be ready to welcome you, not as guests, but as partners in its journey forward. Welcome home — today, and always."
The 961
11-02-2025
- Politics
- The 961
Who Is Charles Hajj, Lebanon's New Minister of Telecommunications
Charles Hajj is a prominent Lebanese figure who has held numerous important positions throughout his career. One of his most notable roles was serving as the president of the Maronite Foundation for Emigration, which aims to strengthen the ties between Lebanese expatriates and their homeland, Lebanon. Additionally, he has had a significant influence on Lebanese politics, playing an active role in various national and expatriate-related issues. He began his educational journey in Lebanon, where he received a distinguished academic education. According to available sources, he studied engineering. Charles Hajj's professional life began in the field of engineering before he transitioned into public service. As an engineer, he demonstrated remarkable ability in innovation and management in the projects he worked on. As his career progressed, he moved into public work, where he began to stand out more in the Lebanese political landscape. One of the most significant milestones in his career was his presidency of the Maronite Foundation for Emigration, a non-profit organization aimed at enhancing the connections between Lebanese expatriates and their homeland, Lebanon. Under his leadership, the foundation saw notable development, focusing on improving communication between Lebanese expatriates worldwide and their homeland. He also supported developmental projects and initiatives aimed at boosting Lebanese investments in Lebanon and raising awareness about expatriate issues. Through his work at the Maronite Foundation, he played a significant role in political matters, particularly regarding the participation of expatriates in Lebanese elections and the protection of their rights. He also played a major role in supporting developmental projects aimed at addressing Lebanon's economic challenges, with a focus on social and cultural aspects. His career has also been marked by active involvement in major national issues, where he supported numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the unity of the Lebanese people across different sects and religions. Hajj was a strong advocate for the political rights of Lebanese expatriates, emphasizing the importance of their participation in Lebanese elections.
