On Thursday October 24, 2013, the IDEES Laboratory for Social and Environmental Development, affiliated to the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized The Baladiyyāt Day entitled “Municipal Space and Sustainable Development”. This qualitative meeting gathered the aforesaid educational institution together with municipal institutions and non-governmental organizations, in order to provide better services for Lebanese society. This partnership is based upon exchange of expertise and benefits from mutual capabilities to rehabilitate civil society and motivate it to give more emphasis to sustainable development.
On this occasion, the President of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, welcomed the attendees and talked about the joy that prevailed in the University because of their presence, stating: “This joy is the result of three factors; the first is related to the pioneering ideas that propel us forward and elevate the human being in our society…the second is the cooperation between the municipalities’ sector and the University… and the third is that all of us are witnessing the will to develop human beings, all human beings, without any discrimination, and in all their dimensions…”
The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities, Prof. Hoda Nehme, stated: “Our world is facing great challenges…and our nation, today, calls for solidarity, in order to spare no effort to save society from any evil; evil that has become a part of it and obstacle impeding it…This partnership between the University and the participating municipalities will change the face of the region because the University, embracing this sustainable development project, will organize workshops and training sessions to preserve the environment, protect health and protect cultural heritage; and the municipalities will also renew their systems and join the path of sustainable development…”
The Head of the Department of Social Sciences, Dr. Mirna Mzawak, added that “…the IDEES Laboratory aims to create research and experiment spaces related to social affairs and fosters a working attitude emanating from real problems encountered within the social life of Lebanon.” She continued: “Sustainable development is perceived in the twenty first century as a fundamental concept and a strategic map for any process aiming for ideological, environmental, economic and social development…The goal of this scientific study project is to build a future vision of the municipal work in Lebanon, related to sustainable development, according to the components of this work and its relation with the Lebanese people, laws, regulations and mechanisms…”
The event closed with Rev. Fr. Mahfouz signing cooperation agreements with twenty-four Heads of Municipalities from the regions of Kesrwan, Ftouh and Jbeil.
