The General Directorate of Civil Defense organized a celebration for World Civil Defense Day, under the sponsorship and attendance of Interior and Municipalities Minister Judge Bassam Molawi, at the "Seaside Arena." Attendees included the Director General of Civil Defense, Brigadier General Raymond Khattar, several ambassadors, governors, the head of the Supreme Customs Council, the head of the Supreme Defense Council, representatives of security and military leaders, foreign and local organizations, associations, and a group of Civil Defense employees and volunteers.
The celebration began with the Lebanese national anthem played by the Civil Defense band. Afterwards, media figure Rony Alfa delivered a welcoming speech. Brigadier General Khattar gave a speech stating: "This year's World Civil Defense Day falls amidst painful circumstances of financial and economic collapse, along with fear and anxiety from earthquakes and tremors, which confirms once again the readiness of Civil Defense to confront all kinds of disasters, and to respond to any call for help regardless of challenges and difficulties, with unparalleled determination and equipment that has become inadequate for the required interventions." He expressed his commitment—indeed, not just in words—to the resolutions of the International Civil Protection Organization, which set the 2023 celebration theme as "The Role of Information Technology in Risk Assessment." He also addressed the issue of volunteer stabilization: "We are on the verge of concluding this file," praising Minister Molawi for his commitment to the promise he made to them. He concluded: "Every year, you and Civil Defense are well, and may the World Day arrive next year under less painful circumstances so we can restore normal life and close the chapters of tragedies."
Molawi also delivered a speech directed to the heroes of Civil Defense: "O men adorned with a constellation of girls who also belong to the ranks of heroes. On Civil Defense Day, a day of sacrifice, I extend my greetings to all Lebanese, especially to Civil Defense members," emphasizing that "these heroes make sacrifices without any reward. They have succeeded in protecting Lebanon from the dangers of fires and the exacerbation of disaster results. Their activities and heroics have crossed Lebanese borders. In addition to answering the call of national and humanitarian duty with almost no resources in their homeland, they have done the same abroad, risking their lives for purely humanitarian goals and to save those trapped under rubble." He continued: "Civil Defense is a productive sector, and its members work with self-sustained capacities under the careful guidance of Director General Khattar, who strives to secure resources and continue working despite dire circumstances. The efforts of these members serve Lebanon without costing the Lebanese state anything in return."
Regarding the issue of volunteer stabilization, he confirmed that "the law has been passed after a long wait. It is time for them to receive their rights." He added, "As we promised before, we will implement the law considering its purpose and the sacrifices of the members so that most of them will be stabilized in accordance with the letter and spirit of the law." He stressed that "Civil Defense volunteers are an essential pillar in building and protecting the state. This is what we strive to achieve, away from nepotism and factionalism." He addressed Civil Defense members, saying, "You may be the most giving in this country without receiving anything in return." He concluded: "The state will be built without anything disturbing its stability." Following this, a demonstration was held for all specialized walking units.
