Lebanese First Lady, Ms. Neemat Aoun, announced that Lebanon is the first Arab country to implement UNESCO’s recommendations for peace education and sustainable development through a comprehensive national vision known as the 'School of Citizenship.' This vision is now resonating within public policies. 'Our goal is to adopt the best practices in our public policies,' she stated.
Ms. Aoun expressed that real achievement is showing the world that a country that once knew war continues to teach peace, a country that experienced division still teaches unity, and a country that faced fear still teaches hope.
A ceremony was held this morning at Baabda Palace, where 150 principals from Lebanon's 'Schools of Citizenship' were honored for their dedication and perseverance during wartime. These principals managed schools that became shelters, enhancing social solidarity despite Lebanon's hardships.
Among the attendees were the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Reema Karami, artist Georges Khabbaz, strategic partners, supporters, and representatives from international organizations involved in education.
The event announced the expansion of the program from 150 to 300 schools next year, and the inaugural national conference on citizenship education planned for the upcoming academic year. This conference will showcase the pilot phase's results and the schools' projects.
In partnership with UNESCO, the top four schools on the citizenship index will represent Lebanon at international conferences on peace and sustainable development education.
The ceremony began with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by a speech from Ms. Aoun's office director, Ms. Hala Obeid, acknowledging the principals' commitment to education under the toughest circumstances. 'When our society sought security, your schools provided it,' she commented.
Artist Georges Khabbaz also presented a talk on the role of art in fostering citizenship, openness, and peace.
Ms. Aoun thanked Khabbaz for highlighting the importance of art in education and peace. She emphasized the importance of unity and learning from each other beyond geographical divides.
Ms. Aoun commended the principals' efforts, noting their contribution to keeping educational institutions alive amid adversity. 'In war, schools were demolished, but their hearts stayed open. Schools turned shelters but remained beacons of learning,' she said.
The event featured a speech by Dr. Lina Khamati, special programs advisor to the First Lady, expressing pride in the program's achievements and outlining future plans, including expanding participation and hosting the first national conference on citizenship education.
All principals were honored according to Lebanon's eight provinces, recognizing their role in fostering citizenship education. Each principal received a commemorative medal from the 'School of Citizenship' program.
A documentary film highlighting the program's key milestones during the 2025-2026 academic year was screened, depicting challenges faced during the conflict and the success stories emerging from participating schools.
Closing the event, emphasis was placed on the 'School of Citizenship' as a long-term national path aiming to embed values of citizenship, peace, and sustainable development within Lebanese school culture.