American University of Beirut

Refugees and Social Cohesion: How to Reduce Tensions in Lebanon​

    About

    Conference hosted by the American University of Beirut (AUB)
    Organized by AUB's Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs and the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon 


    Date: ​November 23​, 2017
    Location: Issam Fares Institute Auditorium – AUB (Green Oval) 

     


    The aim of the conference is to discuss:

    1. Factors of radicalization and the responses of the Lebanese and the Canadian governments in that respect;
    2. The question of refugees in Lebanon and the anti-Syrian sentiment as a factor of radicalization;
    3. Impacts of programming designed to counter radicalization and improve social cohesion in Lebanon.
    This conference will also encourage fruitful exchanges on this global issue and foster cooperation between academics, policy-makers and NGOs. 

    Program



    Conference Agenda


    ​9:30 - 10:00
    ​Registration
    ​10:00 - 10:15
    ​Inaugural Session

    H.E. Dr. Tarek Mitri, Director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs 
    Lebanese Attitudes towards Syrian Refugees: Ethical Considerations

    H.E. Ms. Emmanuelle Lamoureux, Ambassador of Canada to Lebanon 
    Tolerance, Openness and Inclusion Make the Specificity of the Canadian Narrative

    H.E. Mr. Mouin Merheby, Minister of State for Displaced Affairs 
    Refugees and Human Rights

    ​10:15 - 11:45
    ​First Session
    Radicalization and Deradicalization

    Moderator: Ms. Diana Moukalled, Journalist

    Dr. Jocelyn Belanger, Assistant Professor, New York University, Abu Dhabi & Canadian expert on radicalization 
    Thrilled to Pieces: On the Role of Sensation Seeking in Political Violence

    Dr. Maha Yahya, Director of Carnegie Middle East 
    Radicalization Factors in Lebanon

    Dr. Khalil Gebara, Advisor to the Minister of Interior 
    The Lebanese Government Response

    Video Presentation by Ms. Ritu Banerjee, Senior Director, Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence 
    Overview of Canada’s Domestic Efforts to Counter Radicalization to Violence​

    ​11:45 - 12:00
    ​ Coffee Break
    12:00 - 13:30​​Second Session
    The Situation of Refugees in Lebanon

    Moderator: Mr. Thaer Ghandour, Journalist

    Dr. Jihan Rabah, Director of Research and Analysis, eConcordia, Co-principal Project SOMEONE, and Member of the UNESCO Global Chair on Prevention of Radicalization and Violent Extremism 
    Building Counter-narratives to Violent Extremism and Radicalization in Canada: Possibilities and Challenges

    Ms. Mireille Girard, UNHCR Country Representative 
    Refugees in Lebanon - Facts and Figures

    Dr. Nasser Yassin, Director of Research, Issam Fares Institute 
    Countering the Xenophobic Narrative through Data Journalism

    Dr. Ziad El-Sayegh, Expert on Public Policies and Refugees & Senior National Policy Advisor to the Ministry of State for Displaced Affairs 
    Refugees and Human Rights​

    ​13:30 - 14:30
    ​Lunch
    ​14:30 - 16:00
    ​Third Session
    Promoting Social Inclusion through Active Programming - A Canadian Contribution

    Moderator:Mr. George Ghali, Executive Director, Act for Human Rights (ALEF)

    Ms. Elisa Dari, Lebanon Country Director, Search for Common Ground (SFCG) 
    Inclusive and Participatory Governance in the Municipalities of Wadi Khaled, Northern Lebanon

    Mr. Fadi Abilmona, Programme Manager, UNDP - Crisis Prevention & Recovery (CPR) Programme 
    Locally-based Approach for Justice and Security Interventions

    Dr. Rami Lakkis, Founder and General Manager, LOST - The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training 
    Engaging Syrian and Lebanese Women in Social Stability in the Bekaa

    Ms. Renée Sabbagh, National Programme Officer, UNODC Lebanon 
    UNODC’s Intervention in Lebanese Prisons

    Mr. Nizar El Laz, Project Manager, The Stabilisation Network (TSN) 
    Empowering Youth in Tripoli, Saida and Central Bekaa to Counter Violent Extremism



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