On Friday July 6, under the patronage of H.E Prime Minister Mr. Saad Hariri, The Global Compact Network Lebanon (GCNL) in partnership with The Light House Keepers NGO, unveiled the newly painted Lighthouse of Beirut. H.E Minister Youssef Fenianos, Member of Parliament Dr.Dima Jamali and Mr.Fouad Makhzoumi, Director General of Land and Maritime Transport, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Quaisi as well as a number of esteemed guests from the private sector, public sector and civil society organizations, attended the grand opening ceremony.
The event started with a welcome note from the founder of The Lighthouse Keepers of Beirut, Mr. Khaled Shbaro. “The goal of launching this initiative is to revive the beacon of Beirut and to put it on the global and cultural map of the country.” he said.
“This project comes as part of a series of projects that will be launched by the NGO in a bid to promote sustainable development in Lebanon and raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine life” he added.
H.E, Dr. Dima Jamali, President of GCNL took the stage to highlight the importance of raising awareness on the Sustainable development goals (SDG). “The main aim of this collaboration between The Lighthouse Keepers of Beirut and GCNL is to advance #SDG 14 Life below water in Lebanon as part of the 2030 agenda. SDG 14 is all about the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources and unfortunately it happens to be the least tackled SDG in Lebanon. We must inject a sense of urgency to address the major challenges facing the oceans, including pollution, overfishing and coastal habitat loss”.
H.E. Minister Youssef Fenianos continued in saying, “I am honored to represent H.E Prime Minister Saad Hariri at this important event, which aims to develop one of the landmarks of Beirut, and to promote the cultural heritage of cities and rationalize its sustainable use.”
In recognition of this momentous initiative, trophies were offered to the partners involved in this project. Namely, Ebco Bitar, Tinol paints, BK- LUCE and Maurice Salloum Lighting. Moreover, GCNL Members Mrs. Wafaa Saab representing Tinol Paints and Mrs. Nour Bitar representing EBCO-Bitar, delivered inspirational speeches.
Finally, the Commemorative sign was unveiled portraying the efforts of all the sustainable partners who took part in the achievement of this project. Manara in Lights & Colours will provide inspiration for the conservation and sustainable management of our oceans, reviving our cultural heritage by bringing life back to our city’s monuments. The success of this event is an example of the pioneering commitment of GCNL hand in hand with the private sector to achieve progress on the SDGs for a better Lebanon.