The State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia hosted a high-profile event on Thursday evening to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and explore pathways for reconstruction and sustainable economic development, with the participation of Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock.
Lebanon, a country deeply affected by years of political and economic turmoil, faces an escalating humanitarian emergency, exacerbated by the aftermath of regional conflicts. This event, held at the Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia to the Federal Government in Berlin, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the German government, international organizations and civil society.
The event began with an opening speech by Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs, Media and Head of State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia. In his remarks, Minister Liminski highlighted the urgency of providing immediate assistance to Lebanon while ensuring sustainable support for its long-term recovery.
A keynote address by Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock underscored Germany's commitment to alleviating the humanitarian plight in Lebanon. She emphasized the urgent need for international solidarity in providing immediate relief and supporting Lebanon’s reconstruction. It was followed by a greeting word by Suzan Mouzi Yassine, Deputy Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic in Germany, who expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support of Germany and its partners.
The event also featured a panel discussion on coordinated efforts to stabilize Lebanon. Speakers included Nathanael Liminski, Niels Annen (Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development), Josef Neumann (Chairman of the Committee on Labor, Health, and Social Affairs in the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia), in addition to Marwan Sehnaoui, President of the Order of Malta Lebanon.
Sehnaoui opened the panel by delivering a compelling overview on the situation in Lebanon and the organization’s unwavering commitment to its people, grateful to the long-standing support of the German government and to its partner Malteser International. He highlighted the Order’s continuous efforts to address the acute needs of displaced families, underprivileged communities and marginalized groups, Sehnaoui called for sustained global support for reconstruction and socio-economic recovery.
Moderated by Marie von Manteuffel of Caritas International, the panel emphasized the importance of collaborative initiatives like those undertaken by the Order of Malta Lebanon. These efforts include food security, agriculture, healthcare and vital infrastructure support for displaced populations and vulnerable communities.
The event concluded with a renewed call for international cooperation to support Lebanon as a beacon of coexistence in a region marked by conflict. Minister Nathanael Liminski stated, "Preserving Lebanon as a place of harmony between religions and cultures is not just a regional priority but a global responsibility."
The presence of the Order of Malta Lebanon underscored the essential role of humanitarian organizations in fostering hope and resilience amid adversity.
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