Launch Ceremony of the Lebanese Association for Sustainability and Social Responsibility (LASSR) AUST University, Bhamdoun – Aley | July 24, 2023

Launch Ceremony of the Lebanese Association for Sustainability and Social Responsibility (LASSR)

AUST University, Bhamdoun – Aley | July 24, 2023

The Lebanese Association for Sustainability and Social Responsibility (LASSR), in collaboration with the Makhzoumi Foundation, Kun إيجابي (Be Positive) Association, the Arab Council for Impact Measurement and Management (A'maq), and AUST University, held its official launch ceremony on July 24, 2023, at AUST University in Bhamdoun, Aley.

The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Imad Faraj, representing the Sheikh al-Aql of the Druze Unitarian Community, Sheikh Dr. Sami Abi Al-Muna; Dr. George Rahbani, Director of the AUST Bhamdoun campus; Dr. Nader Hadifeh, Advisor to the Minister of Education and Higher Education; Ghazi Saab, Advisor to the Minister of Culture and Director of the Baakline National Library; members of the Druze Community Council; Mounir Barakat, President of the Lebanese Leftist Movement; Jumblatt Ghraizi, Jurd District Commissioner of the Progressive Socialist Party; Riyad Atallah, President of Safa Sporting Club; Wael Chouheib, President of Aley Akhaa Club; Engineer Nizar Abou Al-Hassan, Secretary-General of the Progressive Youth Organization; Dr. Bassam Jamaleddine, Ambassador of the United Nations High Commissioner for Political Affairs; and representatives of various civil society, educational, and environmental organizations.

Dr. Firas Zeidan: The Role of Science and Social Responsibility in Sustainable Development

Following the Lebanese national anthem, Dr. Firas Zeidan, Secretary of LASSR, welcomed the attendees. He emphasized that human development is at the heart of scientific research and that science plays a vital role in everyday life and in achieving human aspirations. Through scientific advancement and social initiatives, sustainable development can be achieved and societies can progress.

He added that the development of numerous countries demonstrates the significant role of science and social initiatives in achieving sustainable development and empowering individuals. Studies and community initiatives, whether at the rural, local, Arab, or international levels, confirm that development and social responsibility require us to take initiative in developing our communities and contributing to human development. Development also encourages cultural interaction and represents an essential factor in social progress.

Dr. Zeidan then introduced the Lebanese Association for Sustainability and Social Responsibility (LASSR), which seeks to develop and promote social responsibility and sustainable development. He presented the founding members: Dr. Firas Zeidan, Mr. Bahaa Yahya, educator Rawia Al-Banna, Ms. Nathalie Matar, and Dr. Ramona Al-Danaf.

He explained that the idea behind LASSR emerged from a strong belief in humanitarian, social, and developmental work. It was further shaped by his academic experience at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE University) during his doctoral studies, under the guidance of distinguished professors in sustainability and social responsibility, including Prof. Dr. Sándor Kerekes and Prof. Dr. Gergely Tóth.

This commitment was subsequently strengthened through workshops, participation in international conferences, academic research, and the publication of articles on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

He also noted that the sustainable development challenges facing Arab countries served as a further motivation for establishing the association. He stressed the importance of sharing knowledge, achievements, and successful experiences with local communities and contributing to the development of Lebanon.

A video presentation on ISO 26000, the international guidance standard on social responsibility, followed. It highlighted the importance of applying social responsibility principles across individuals, educational institutions, and businesses.

Dr. Ramona Al-Danaf: Social Responsibility as a Foundation for Sustainable Development

Dr. Ramona Al-Danaf, President of LASSR, thanked the collaborating organizations and praised the efforts of the association's members.

She emphasized the importance of social and charitable work, which she described as a defining characteristic of Arab society and a fundamental humanitarian value that contributes to sustainable development and strengthens social responsibility.

Drawing on academic studies of CSR, research publications, and participation in international conferences, she explained that these experiences had inspired the establishment of LASSR.

Dr. Al-Danaf referred to the definition of corporate social responsibility promoted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, describing it as the continuing commitment of businesses to behave ethically, contribute to economic development, and improve the quality of life of their employees, their families, and the wider local community. She highlighted that CSR represents a long-term investment that can also enhance companies' competitiveness.

She stressed that community engagement in social responsibility has become an urgent necessity, particularly in light of climate change and unprecedented increases in temperatures. Referring to former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, she emphasized the urgency of collective action to protect the planet and build a sustainable future.

Makhzoumi Foundation: Advancing Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility

Malak Al-Hout, representing the Makhzoumi Foundation, spoke about the foundation's role in promoting sustainable development and social responsibility through its diverse programs in healthcare, education, individual support, agriculture, and industry.

She explained that these initiatives contribute to the implementation of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With a longstanding record of service spanning 26 years at the time of the event, the Makhzoumi Foundation works in partnership with various organizations, institutions, and associations through training workshops. It also provides loans to individuals operating small businesses and delivers healthcare services through its affiliated health center.

Kun Be Positive Association: Supporting Sustainable Communities

Samar Arnous, speaking on behalf of Malak Aitani, President of the Kun Be Positive Association, highlighted LASSR's role in promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life within communities.

She described sustainable development as a key to creating a better planet and affirmed that Kun Be Positive would be among the first organizations to support LASSR and its mission.

A'maq: Measuring and Managing Social Impact

The ceremony concluded with a recorded address by Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Khatib, President of the Arab Council for Impact Measurement and Management (A'maq).

Dr. Al-Khatib praised the partnership between the council and LASSR and discussed the council's role in advancing sustainable development through Impact Measurement and Management (IMM).

He explained that the council was established to develop professional Arabic-language content in the field of IMM and to build a supportive ecosystem across the Arab world. He also highlighted its initiatives with legislative bodies, ministries, and businesses to establish the concept of impact measurement and management and encourage companies to adopt practical models that demonstrate its effective implementation.

The event concluded with a cocktail reception, marking the official launch of LASSR and the beginning of its mission to advance sustainability, social responsibility, and community development in Lebanon and the wider Arab region.