July 14, 2016 (Beirut): For the second consecutive year, Executive Magazine – country representative of the Cannes Lions Festivals –celebrates the return of the young and talented Lebanese team – Elie Nasr and and Dina El Khouri from J. Walter Thompson Beirut (JWT) who represented Lebanon in the Cannes Lions Festival. From June 18 to 25, 2016, Elie and Dina attended and competed in the Young Lions Print Competition.
The competition called upon creative professionals from all around the world and under the age of 30 to submit a print ad for the United Nations that aims to solve the global water problem and achieve a sustainable solution. Access to sanitation is more than just a right to privacy, it is also a key to solving the question of safe, hygienic drinking water. The work produced was judged by international advertising industry leaders.
With 42 teams competing, Elie Nasr and Dina El Khouri from J. Walter Thompson Beirut showcased a remarkable ad to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of toilet access. Elie said: “We’re glad we were able to compete. The experience gained at Cannes meeting the world’s top creatives is inspiring and invaluable.” Dina commented that, “It was a great experience to challenge yourself creatively against the best young creatives from each country.”
Mr. Yasser Akkaoui, Managing Director of Executive Magazine said, “Young people are living in times of rapid cultural change and of increasing cultural diversity. It’s vital that we celebrate and nurture the industry’s brightest young talent. Participating in the Cannes Lions festival is a great chance for our best young creative talents to step into the limelight and gain some valuable experience that will help them in their career.”
A most heartfelt thanks goes to all of our sponsors and partners who supported and believed in the importance of giving the best young mavericks in advertising, Elie and Dina, the chance to represent Lebanon in Cannes offering them an all-expenses-paid trip, including flights gifted by Air France, and a full-week delegate pass to the festival. Sponsors and partners includes IAA Lebanese chapter (International Advertising Association), AA (Advertising Association), Choueiry Group, Fortune Promoseven, Grey Worldwide, Impact BBDO, Intermarkets, J. Walter Thompson, H&C Leo Burnett, Lowe Pimo, Memac Ogilvy, Publicis, Rizk Group, Spirit, Young & Rubicam, Communic8, the American University of Beirut and Air France.
In today’s world, the success and perhaps even survival of individuals, companies and nations as a whole rests on the ability to think and act creatively. Without creativity there would be no innovation. Nations, if they are to stay relevant in the 21st century, must kindle the best environment for their citizens and corporations for that spark to catch ablaze. Executive Magazine will continue to stimulate and support creativity by creating opportunities and open pathways for young people to global marketplaces.