NDI has conducted programs on civic education, advocacy, domestic election monitoring and women's political leadership in Lebanon since 1996. In 2001, NDI opened an office in Beirut to help Lebanese citizens influence the decisions and policies that affect their lives, often through civil society organizations and coalitions.
A strong civil society is essential to giving citizens options for getting involved in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. In Lebanon, NDI has provided training and technical assistance to more than 20 multi-sectarian and issue-based organizations in order to conduct programs that engage citizens, particularly women and youth, in the democratic reform process.
Political Context
Since Syria withdrew its military presence from Lebanon in 2005, civil society leaders and political reformers’ had hoped that political liberalization would follow. Those hopes were frustrated in part due to the instability of the security situation and by a deadlocked parliament that would not elect a new president.
In May 2008, after 18 months of political deadlock and indecision Lebanese leaders convened in Doha, Qatar and signed an agreement that allowed for the election of Lebanese Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Michel Suleiman as president. The agreement also included a new electoral law that created administrative reforms, which were implemented during the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. Since then, the Lebanese cabinet recently passed several reforms to election law, but municipal elections are scheduled to be held May 2, 2010, before the new election law could be approved by parliament.
Arabic Publications Center
With an Arabic publications center that provides translation, publication and distribution of training materials throughout the Middle East and North Africa, NDI Lebanon serves as a regional resource. The center has played a critical role in strengthening civic organizations as they promote democratic reforms. Demand for the center's work has been increasing since its inception in 2001.
Citizen Education and Advocacy
Through a nationwide citizenship education and advocacy program known as Citizen Lebanon, NDI is working to support and empower citizens to identify and solve problems in their local communities. Founded on the Institute's expertise in adult civic education, community action and grassroots advocacy programs, NDI has partnered with seven local NGOs and is also working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to ensure long-term organizational, financial and management development of the program.
- Watch a short documentary about the Citizen Lebanon program:
- Civic Participation Terminology: A Guide to Frequently Used Terms and Phrases»
