Latest news with #StefanieMcCollum
Lebanese Army
a day ago
- Politics
- Lebanese Army
Donation ceremony from Canadian authorities to the LAF
Wednesday, 28 May 2025 A ceremony was held at the Logistics Brigade Command in Kfarshima for the receipt of medical supplies, equipment, and snowmobiles donated by the Canadian authorities to the LAF. The ceremony was attended by the Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, a representative of the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolph Haykal, the Canadian Military Attaché in Lebanon, Major Jawad Al Khairy, and the Canadian training and cooperation team, along with several officers. During the ceremony, the representative of the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Brigadier General PSC Johnny Akl delivered a speech stating: "The trust of the Canadian authorities in the performance of the military institution as a guarantor of Lebanon's security and stability, and as a protector of civil peace, is continuously reflected through the support and cooperation between the LAF and Canadian armies." At the end of the ceremony, Brigadier General PSC Akl presented a commemorative LAF plaque on behalf of the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander to Ambassador McCollum in appreciation of her efforts.
Nahar Net
2 days ago
- General
- Nahar Net
30 girls win opportunity to become Ambassadors For A Day
by Naharnet Newsdesk 28 May 2025, 14:50 The third annual Ambassador For A Day competition celebrates the potential of Lebanon's youth as it gives young girls the opportunity to shadow heads of diplomatic missions for one day. On Tuesday, the British, Canadian and Jordanian embassies jointly hosted a reception to celebrate the thirty winners, from across various regions and backgrounds in Lebanon, of this year's 'Ambassador For A Day' competition. Each winner will spend one day shadowing an Ambassador, Senior U.N. or Lebanese official. This promises to be an unforgettable opportunity to build confidence, leadership, and diplomatic skills. This year's competition was launched on International Women's Day (IWD) on 8 March. Over 300 girls aged 15-18 years old submitted entries on the International Women's Day 2025 theme 'For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment'. They answered the question: 'If you were an Ambassador for a Day, what actions would you take to accelerate gender equality including equal rights, power and opportunities?" "A huge thank you to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the British Council, Arab and Foreign Ambassadors, Lebanese Diplomats and U.N. Heads of Mission for supporting the initiative," the British embassy said in a statement. The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell said: "Congratulations to 30 remarkable young girls whose creative and insightful entries inspired us. Your voices are powerful and your impact is real. Be proud of this incredible achievement — young leaders like you are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Lebanon." The Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum said: "Inclusion is not limited to questions of gender equality. Canada believes that inclusion means taking into account the experiences of people facing discrimination based on gender, income, race, religion, language, ability and age, in everything that we do. I'm hopeful that you will carry on values of diversity and inclusion as you pursue your education, and eventually your careers." The Jordanian Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Al Hadid said: "Empowering women is not only a matter of justice, but a cornerstone of resilient and prosperous societies. No nation can truly thrive when half of its voices remain unheard. The creativity and determination shown by the 30 young participants reflect a spirit we deeply value, and one that resonates with Jordan's continued efforts to promote rights, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Your voices matter, and I am confident you will help shape a more just and inclusive future."
Nahar Net
6 days ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
British and Canadian ambassadors host reception celebrating media freedom in Lebanon
by Naharnet Newsdesk 24 May 2025, 12:01 Celebrating the role of Lebanese media in reform and accountability, British Ambassador Hamish Cowell and Canadian Ambassador Stefanie McCollum co-hosted a reception to reaffirm "the essential role of a free media in Lebanon," the British embassy said. The event brought together journalists, civil society representatives, diplomats, and advocates to recognize the "indispensable role that a free and independent press plays in holding power to account, to reaffirm its essential part in Lebanon's reform agenda, and safeguarding democratic societies," the embassy said in a statement. The reception paid special tribute to the journalists working on the front lines in South Lebanon, and those that have lost their lives reporting under challenging and dangerous conditions. In their remarks, both ambassadors emphasized that media freedom is not only a cornerstone of democracy but also a vital mechanism for transparency, accountability, and informed public opinion. British Ambassador Hamish Cowell said: 'The UK is a firm advocate for media freedoms here in Lebanon and across the globe. Free press is the watchdog of democracy. I commend the courage of journalists who risk their lives, and those that face prosecution, to bring truth to light. Their courage strengthens our shared commitment to human rights and democratic values'. "As Lebanon continues to navigate complex political and social challenges, the role of a free and independent media remains more critical than ever," he added. Canadian Ambassador Stefanie McCollum said: "Media freedom is a cornerstone of democratic societies and is essential for protecting human rights. It is only through accountability and the eradication of impunity that we can ensure journalists are able to fulfil their essential role without fear of reprisal. Canada is proud to stand with the UK to promote and support media freedom here in Lebanon and all over the world.' 'Canada stands with journalists who risk their lives to bring truth to light. Their courage strengthens our shared commitment to human rights and democratic values," McCollum added.
National News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
Army chief receives Canadian Ambassador, UNODC's Albertin
NNA - Army Commander, General Rodolphe Haikal, on Wednesday received at his Yarzeh office, the Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon Stefanie McCollum, accompanied by the Canadian Military Attaché in Lebanon, Lieutenant Colonel Jawad Al-Khairy. The discussion addressed ways of cooperation between the armies of both countries and the general situation in Lebanon and the region. Maj, Gen, Haikal also received the Regional Representative for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cristina Albertin, with an accompanying delegation. The discussion reportedly touched on various matters.
MTV Lebanon
13-03-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Canada announces plan to ease Syria sanctions
The Canadian government on Wednesday announced plans to ease sanctions on Syria during what it called a period of transition. Many Western nations, including Canada, had put a range of sanctions against Syria under its ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who was toppled late last year by insurgent forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Canadian government issued a statement announcing the steps that it said displayed Ottawa's "commitment to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people and to support a transition to an inclusive and peaceful future." The Canadian government said it is providing C$84 million in new funding for humanitarian assistance to Syria. "Canada is also taking steps to ease existing sanctions for a period of 6 months, to support democratization, stabilization, and the delivery of aid to and within Syria during this period of transition," the Canadian government said in its statement. Canada's ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, was nominated to serve concurrently as non-resident ambassador to Syria, Ottawa added. Canada added it was issuing a general permit, valid for a period of 6 months, that allows Canadians to carry out financial transactions and services, that are otherwise prohibited, when supporting democratization, stabilization and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Syria. It said it will be easing sanctions to allow funds to be sent through certain banks in the country, such as Syria's Central Bank. Syria's new rulers are Islamists who had links to extremist group al Qaeda until their leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, cut ties in 2016. Pressure has been growing on Syria's Islamist-led government to investigate reports by witnesses and a war monitor of the killing of hundreds of civilians in villages where the majority of the population are members of Assad's Alawite sect.
