BEIRUT - Young people from northern and southern Lebanon are finding common ground through dialogue and shared experiences, challenging stereotypes and building connections across community divisions.
The message was at the heart of the closing ceremony of “United Under One Anthem,” a project implemented by the Development for People and Nature Association (DPNA) and MARCH Lebanon, under the patronage of the French Embassy in Lebanon.
Held at the Middle East Airlines Training and Conference Center in Beirut, the event brought together participants and representatives of the organizing institutions to reflect on the initiative, which aimed to strengthen social cohesion, promote active citizenship, raise awareness of violent extremism and empower young people to contribute to their communities.
A Shared Lebanese Identity
French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrick Durel highlighted the common experiences and aspirations of young people from different regions and backgrounds.
“Despite their different social backgrounds, regions, and sects, they are all young people of one Lebanon, facing the same challenges and sharing the same aspirations,” he said.
His remarks reflected the initiative’s aim of translating shared citizenship into practical opportunities for cooperation between young people from northern and southern Lebanon.
Empowering Youth Beyond Divisions
Raneen Halawi, manager and representative of DPNA, said young people should be considered essential partners in development rather than merely beneficiaries of initiatives.
She stressed the importance of creating spaces where they can express themselves, build relationships and participate in public life.
Lea Baroudi, representing MARCH Lebanon, highlighted the need to overcome mistrust and challenge preconceived perceptions between communities.
“People change when someone sees them and listens to them,” she said, emphasizing the importance of helping young people feel recognized and understood.
She added that the project sought to help participants recognize their shared challenges, rebuild trust and become active contributors to their communities.
From Confrontation to Understanding
A documentary presented participants’ experiences and project activities, followed by a theatrical performance developed by the participants.
Set in a restaurant, the play depicted participants from different Lebanese regions initially confronting one another through disagreements and stereotypes. As they shared personal experiences, however, they discovered common struggles, including socioeconomic pressures, concerns about the future, and limited opportunities.
The performance illustrated how dialogue can challenge prejudice and foster mutual understanding.
Youth Testimonies Highlight Common Struggles
Participants also described how their perceptions changed through the initiative.
One young man from northern Lebanon recalled initially viewing young people from other communities as adversaries.
“We used to fight one another, but we can also work together,” he said.
He explained that meeting participants from southern Lebanon helped him recognize similarities in their experiences, including difficulties continuing their education.
A participant from southern Lebanon described experiencing displacement with her family and later joining community initiatives to support vulnerable people. Her involvement also enabled her to build relationships with young people from northern Lebanon.
Turning Dialogue Into Action
The project encouraged participants to apply what they learned through community engagement, citizenship activities and discussions on social cohesion and violent extremism.
Its closing ceremony highlighted the role of youth-led initiatives in strengthening relationships across communities and promoting shared responsibility.
The initiative concluded with a message centered on recognizing common challenges, creating opportunities for dialogue and empowering young people to translate mutual understanding into collective action.
