Conference: The Global Momentum Towards Strengthening Community Resilience

The Lebanese Red Cross and the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, with the support of the German Red Cross (GRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) cordially invite you to a two-day conference:
The Global Momentum Towards Strengthening Community Resilience: Is the MENA Region Falling Behind?

The MENA region is particularly affected by armed conflict and protracted violence. Countries within this region are also exposed to natural and other human induced hazards, vulnerabilities and risks. In the humanitarian context of the MENA region, needs far exceed the capacity of states and non-governmental actors, requiring humanitarian organizations to focus simultaneously on strengthening the resilience of communities and affected populations. Yet ‘resilience’ is not something that can be brought to communities – it requires a new mind-set that focuses on accompanying, enabling and connecting vulnerable groups to empower them to grapple with complex challenges. In this respect, building resilience calls for a change from more conventional models of humanitarian assistance.

Therefore, this event aims to provide a platform for discussion and debate, bringing together practitioners from grassroots organizations, NGOs, academia and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. By initiating these discussions, we hope that exchanges and synergies between national and regional organizations in the MENA region will be strengthened.

Location: Issam Fares Institute Auditorium

Note: Simultaneous interpretation will be provided into Arabic and English during the conference