Chapters of the world-famous Lions Clubs in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq held a ceremony in Beirut on 12 April to honor the UN System in Lebanon on the occasion of the “UN Lions Day” where representatives of three UN agencies boasted of achievements of their organizations before a large audience of ministers, ambassadors, Lions members, UN staff and others.
Held under the patronage of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, leading Lions members paid special tribute to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), the UN Information Centre in Beirut (UNIC- Beirut) and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Speaking on behalf of ESCWA’s executive secretary, Nabil Abu Dargham lauded the annual celebration as an occasion to highlight the Lions’ contribution to achieving UN messages, objectives and principles, noting that regional economic and social conditions required stronger cooperation with the civil society as well as reviewing development concepts and programs and reconsidering the operational mechanisms of those developmental programs. “The Commission, as the regional arm of the UN, recognizes the importance of involving civil society organizations in the process of development, and that it solicits their opinions through its biennial ministerial sessions,” he added.
UNIC-Beirut Director Bahaa Elkoussy called attention to the emphasis the UN lays on partnerships with the civil society its participation in many UN activities. “It is no longer possible for governments of the world to efficiently confront global challenges except through the commitment of civil society, non-governmental organizations and other competent active actors,” he said in his statement at the event. Elkoussy listed major economic and social achievements UN agencies in Lebanon have accomplished on their own and in cooperation with civil society organizations. He went over the long history of relations cooperation in various fields between the UN and the Lions, which were granted two seats in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) more than 60 years ago.
Representing UNIFIL, Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Santi Bonfanti gave an overview of UN peacekeeping missions around the world, saying that they represent the best option to achieving peace when diplomatic means fail. He paid tribute to martyrs who lost their lives while on duty.
Lions’ Governor in the region Marcelle Salameh pointed up the strong ties bonding her Clubs with the UN for the past 66 years. She said that under the slogan “We Serve” the land and people, both parties are working on implementing the Millennium Development Goals and that Lions will offer assistance to ESCWA in its developmental projects. Salameh also asserted the Lions’ commitment to continuous partnership with UNIC Beirut. At the end of the ceremony, representatives of the three UN organizations received their honorary plates.
The ceremony was attended by Minister Mona Ofeich representing President Michel Sleiman, MP Michel Moussa representing House Speaker Nabih Berri, Minister Mohammad Rahhal representing Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Mostafa Adib representing Prime Minister Designate Nagib Mikati, in addition to ministers, MPs, diplomats, military personnel, UN officials, and prominent figures.