In Lebanon, children with disabilities and their families face daily challenges. For many, the financial pressures and the lack of accessible services once meant exclusion and isolation. Today, through the National Disability Allowance (NDA), they are finding pathways to inclusion, dignity and hope.Ghazal and Nancy: Learning and thriving with hearing supportGhazal (14) and her sister Nancy (11) (Bakhoun-Zgharta) were both born with hearing disabilities. Over the years, they underwent several operations. Yet, as their mother explains: “we still face challenges till today.”Ghazal is outgoing and loves engaging with people. With a smile, she says: “I want them to know that I can hear, and I don’t like a single day to pass without using my hearing aid.”At one point, however, the family had to go for two months without functioning hearing aids because they could not afford the batteries. “When I learned about the National Disability Allowance, I applied,” their mother recalls. “Now we use it to cover the essential cost of hearing aid batteries. Without this support, my daughters would be cut off from school and daily communication.”She adds: “With the allowance, they can continue using their hearing aids, hear like the other children at school and never miss out.”For Ghazal, the allowance means more than access, it means possibility. “If we had not received this support, I wouldn’t have been able to go to school,” she says. Today, she aspires to further studies, living a full and productive life, and one day buying new hearing aids for herself and her sister.  Sidra: Preserving sight, discovering talentSidra (14, Taalabaya-Bekaa) was born with congenital glaucoma, and the retina is almost completely damaged in her right eye, her father explains. Until the age of three, she had to undergo surgery every six months. As the family’s financial situation worsened, they could no longer afford the daily eye drops that were essential for treating her condition.That changed when they applied for the National Disability Allowance (NDA). Every month, Sidra’s family now receives an SMS text message notifying them that the monthly payment is available. “We couldn’t afford the eye drops before, but thanks to this support, I am now able to buy them, and I’ve been able to preserve my eyesight,” Sidra says.With her health stabilized, Sidra has embraced her passions. She is proud of learning music at a community center, and already plays both the flute and the piano. “When I play music, I feel a kind of peace inside me,” she shares. At the center, she also studies English, Arabic and science, and loves the sessions on how to bake bread.Sidra’s hopes are clear and confident: she wants to continue learning, nurture her talents, and achieve even greater success in the future.  Daniel:  Determination and resilience despite challengesDaniel (14, Zahle, Bekaa), lives with muscular atrophy that affects all the muscles in his body. Despite the challenges, he says: “I refuse to let this disability hold me back.”Through the National Disability Allowance (NDA), Daniel receives regular monthly support that helps cover the cost of physiotherapy and vitamins, ensuring he can continue with treatment and daily exercises that are essential for slowing the progression of his condition. His mother, Suzan, explains: “The support sustains us every month and helps cover his needs.”Daniel also shares a message of hope for others living with disabilities: “We must keep working on ourselves with determination, and hopefully we will overcome everything.” He dreams of greater inclusion in society and the chance to live a full and productive life, and is determined to prove that muscular atrophy does not define his future.  Zahr: Curious, organized and living with a hearing disabilityZahr (14, Majdlaya–Zgharta) was born with a hearing disability. From a young age, he has attended speech therapy sessions and continues to do so twice a week. Out of school for now, Zahr communicates in short interactions, shows [LM1]  curiosity and attention to detail. His father describes him as “eager to know everything.”Through the National Disability Allowance, Zahr receives USD 40 every month, the first regular support his family has ever received. “He is 14 years old now and no one had ever helped him before. Through this support, I feel reassured that in the future, someone out there cares and is willing to stand by him,” his father says.Now, the family’s goal is to find an inclusive school where Zahr’s eagerness to learn can be nurtured and supported.  What the NDA means for children with disabilitiesFor children with disabilities and their families across Lebanon, the National Disability Allowance is more than financial aid; it is recognition of the right to participate fully in life. They describe how the allowance enables them to maintain vital treatments such as speech therapy and physiotherapy, afford mobility aids and transport to medical facilities, and cover the costs of visual care and assistive learning tools. Beyond meeting practical needs, they say, the support has promoted greater participation and inclusion for people with disabilities, boosting their confidence and sense of belonging in school, at home and in their communities.  From financial support to systemic change With financing from the Government of Lebanon, the European Union, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and other donors, the National Disability Allowance is implemented by the Ministry of Social Affairs in partnership with UNICEF and ILO.Since its launch in April 2023, the National Disability Allowance has reached more than 33,500 persons with disabilities across Lebanon, enabling them to cover essential needs and secure their right to inclusion and dignity. The NDA represents a broader shift toward inclusive social protection, reducing stigma, strengthening the social contract, and ensuring no one is left behind. This initiative, implemented by MoSA in partnership with UNICEF and ILO, would not have been possible without the generous support of its donors, including the European Union and the Kingdom of the Netherlands—two of Lebanon’s top donors. Since 2016, the Netherlands has provided more than USD 448 million to strengthen livelihoods, civic engagement, and life-saving assistance, while the EU has contributed over USD 2.5 billion to ensure access to essential services that helped improve livelihoods, enhanced protection, support elections, and champion joint UN programmes on cash assistance, social protection, and conflict-impact mitigation. Further details on international assistance to Lebanon are available in the Lebanon Aid Tracking reports: https://lebanon.un.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/2025%20Q3%20Lebanon%20Aid%20Tracking%20report%20%28as%20of%2030%20September%202025%29_0.pdf Goals Supported: dignity and equality; access to education, health, and participation; stronger national social protection. 

When someone raised their voice in a room, Reem Herzallah’s instinct was always to leave. The Beirut Arab University student avoided conflict, believing that her place was to stay quiet while others dominated the conversation.“I thought I had no role when the discussion got heated,” she admits softly. “I used to think leadership was for people louder than me.”Today, Reem is the one guiding those conversations. “Now I know how to lead that dialogue. I understand our role as young women in shaping the spaces we belong to.”Reem’s journey from silence to voice is not just her own; it reflects a broader transformation taking root across four major universities in Lebanon, namely the Lebanese University, Université Saint-Joseph, the American University of Beirut, and the Beirut Arab University. Under the broader UN-led Women’s Participation in Leadership (WIPL) project, campuses have become spaces for dialogue, leadership training, and inclusive participation, helping young women step into roles where their voices truly matter.Finding ConfidenceLebanon’s young people are coming of age amid economic downturn, political instability, and recurring conflict. For young women, the barriers to leadership are even higher.To address this, the United Nations in Lebanon, through UN Women and UNDP, partnered with four universities in Lebanon to create safe and inclusive spaces where students could practice civic leadership. Around 250 young women joined workshops and community projects that gave them more than skills; they gave them courage.At the American University of Beirut, Dana Al Hachem recalls how lost in her first year. “I didn’t know what to expect, and I felt completely alone,” she says. But after joining the UN-supported program, Dana began speaking up, organizing events, and even mentoring peers. “Now I love helping younger women who are like me, whether in academics, clubs, or student life.” Role Models that Spark ChangeFor many, the turning point came when they met women leaders who looked like them.“Everything shifted when I attended an UN-facilitated dialogue with MPs on women’s political participation,” says Leony Lawandos. “They didn’t just challenge the system; they claimed space in it. They showed me we don’t need permission; we already belong at the table as equal citizens.”Another student, Jenna Kheireddine, was inspired watching MP Halima Kaakour speak out in Parliament. “We have the right to be heard not only on gender issues but on all issues,” she says. “We’re the same as men and everyone else at that table, and we deserve respect.”Safe Spaces in a Time of CrisisWhen Lebanon’s crises felt overwhelming, Nouhad Hajj from the Lebanese University found refuge in Ondes’ theater-based leadership exercises. “Every moment we worked together, I could feel something shifting inside me,” she said. “We created a safe, non-judgmental space where everyone’s voice mattered.” Those improvised scenes revealed her power to speak truths and listen deeply. That stage became the launching pad for Nouhad’s own storytelling workshops, where solidarity turns pain into resilience. At Université Saint-Joseph, Hala Dalloul echoes this feeling: “Despite all the challenges, we didn’t miss a single session. It became our safe space. We grew not just as students, but as changemakers.” From Learning to Action Students soon turned their lessons into action. At Beirut Arab University, Diana Hamo and her peers launched environmental campaigns encouraging eco-friendly habits. “It was our way of contributing to a greater cause”, she said. Others, like Sarah Youness, promoted democratic participation on campus by supporting student elections and fostering political dialogue.Each initiative- whether on climate, equality, or civic life- was an act of agency: proof that these young women are not waiting to be invited into leadership; they are creating it. Redefining LeadershipWhat unites these journeys is the reimagining of leadership itself. For these students, leadership is not about hierarchy or loud voice, it is about inclusivity, courage, and creating space for others to lead.In a country where women hold less than 7 percent of parliamentary seats and youth voices are often sidelined, these shifts may seem subtle, but they are profound. They hint at a new kind of civic life, one where young women not only belong but also set the tone.As Jenna puts it: “Now when I speak, I no longer wonder if I belong. I know I do, and I’ll keep that space open for others too, ensuring women are heard and respected on all issues.” These initiatives are implemented by UN Women and UNDP with the support of the Government of Canada, in close partnership with several local stakeholders.All of these young women’s stories would not have been possible without the generous support from the Government of Canada, one of Lebanon’s top donors. Since 2016, Canada has contributed almost $540 million USD to Lebanon, strengthening protection, gender equality, social stability, food security, and health, among others. Canada is also a strong champion of pooled funding, supporting both the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund (LHF) and the Lebanon Recovery Fund (LRF). Further details on international assistance to Lebanon are available in the Lebanon Aid Tracking reports: https://lebanon.un.org/en/110415-aid-lebanon-tracking-development-aid-received-lebanon  **This story was co-drafted by Ms. Roula Rached (UN Women), Ms. Maryam Sweid (UNDP), and Ms. Nadine Abi Zeid Daou (RCO/UNIC Beirut). The accompanying video was produced by Mr. Georges Roukoz, a videographer contracted by UN Women. 

“Since 1983, our feet have worn out from endlessly chasing news. I still sit at home thinking the door might knock any minute… I will kiss his feet if he comes back. I have never been able to accept it, as if he left only yesterday. I tell my children: I won’t forgive you if I die and you don’t ask about your brother.” Muntaha Haidar, mother of a disappeared person.For Muntaha, the search for truth has been a lifelong journey marked by loss and persistence. Her son disappeared during Lebanon’s civil war, leaving behind questions that no one could answer. Decades later, her story has become part of a new collective effort to keep memory alive. As one of the women who shared their testimonies in a new online course on the missing and forcibly disappeared, Muntaha speaks of pain and endurance, reminding learners that remembrance is also an act of justice.Across Lebanon, thousands of families like Muntaha’s continue to wait for answers. Nearly four decades since the end of the civil war, the fate of an estimated 17,000 people remains unknown. While the 2018 Law 105 established the National Commission for the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared, many families and advocates believe that real justice also depends on preserving collective memory and helping new generations understand this chapter of history as their own.This is where education becomes a bridge between remembrance and reform.“This initiative directly supports the Government’s efforts to strengthen national capacities for truth‑seeking and social recovery. By embedding these themes into education, we are contributing to Lebanon’s broader development trajectory, one where empowered institutions, informed citizens, and gender‑responsive policies work together to help ensure that such suffering is never repeated,” explained UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza. Education as a Bridge to JusticeLebanon’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the missing and forcibly disappeared from a gender perspective was launched in October 2025. The course was developed by SEEDS for Legal Initiatives and La Sagesse University, in partnership with UN Women and UN Development Programme (UNDP), with the contributions of OHCHR and the support of the Government of Canada. It explores the legacy of the missing through a human rights and gender lens, connecting the struggles of the past to the responsibilities of the present.   Through video lectures, testimonies, and interactive materials, the course allows learners to understand how women – mothers, partners, sisters, and daughters – have carried the emotional, social, and economic burden of enforced disappearances while leading the fight for truth and justice.  From Loss to Learning: Education, Empathy, and DialogueWith the UN’s support, this initiative turns pain into education and activism into curriculum. As one of the first academic resources on gender and transitional justice in Lebanon, it provides teachers, students, and practitioners with tools to analyze the interplay between enforced disappearance, gender, and human rights – topics that were long absent from university programs.Since its launch, the course has drawn wide interest from students and civil society actors, with hundreds enrolling to explore how memory and justice intersect. Several universities are moving to integrate it in their curricula; La Sagesse University already uses it as a key reference in its legal studies program. One student who completed the course said it reshaped her understanding of Lebanon’s past and of her own family’s story. “While watching the videos at home, my father sat beside me, listening to every word,” she said. “That’s when I discovered my grandfather was among the disappeared – a story my family had never spoken about.”  This human impact – shifting attitudes, deepening empathy, and bridging generations – is what makes the course transformative. Designed to spark dialogue between academics and policymakers on integrating transitional justice into education, it also encourages families and young people to speak about remembrance and healing across generations. For students, the MOOC offers a safe space to discuss the war years and their aftermath, something rarely done openly in Lebanon. For families of the disappeared, it offers recognition that their decades-long struggle is not forgotten.The course’s success reflects a growing commitment to address Lebanon’s legacy of conflict through inclusive and gender-transformative approaches. By advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda as a tool for transitional justice, the course shows how women’s experiences and agency are central to peacebuilding, offering a resource that women’s rights organizations and community peacebuilders can use to train young mediators and community activists on memory, dialogue, and accountability.“This course invests in knowledge and awareness—tools that empower the next generation to engage constructively with Lebanon’s history and build a culture of truth and reconciliation,” says Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon. Echoing this, UN Women Representative Gielan El-Messiri stresses that the course fills a critical gap: “For too long, gender-specific experiences were absent from transitional justice processes. This course brings women’s stories to the heart of national memory.”
   Towards a Culture of Truth and Non-RecurrenceThe initiative reinforces collaboration between Lebanese academic institutions and civil society, turning universities into spaces of reflection and social change. Through the partnership between SEEDS for Legal Initiatives and La Sagesse University, the MOOC shows how national actors, supported by UN entities/international partners, can lead innovation in transitional justice and contribute to intergenerational dialogue about Lebanon’s violent past.Beyond its immediate reach, the course has the potential to shape broader reform efforts in Lebanon. As more educators and policymakers engage with its content, it could influence how history and civic education are taught, helping future generations to discuss Lebanon’s conflicts with openness and empathy.While education cannot replace long-awaited answers, it helps build a shared national memory that honors the disappeared and reinforces a commitment to justice and non-recurrence. By bringing remembrance into classrooms, the MOOC ensures that young people understand these violations, empathize with affected families, and help prevent such injustices from happening again. This initiative was implemented by UN Women and UNDP, with contributions from OHCHR, and with the generous support of the Government of Canada, in close partnership with local stakeholders.Lebanon’s first Massive Open Online Course on the missing and forcibly disappeared would not have been possible without the generous support from the Government of Canada, one of Lebanon’s top donors. Since 2016, Canada has contributed almost $540 million USD to Lebanon, strengthening protection, gender equality, social stability, food security, and health, among others. Canada is also a strong champion of pooled funding, supporting both the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund (LHF) and the Lebanon Recovery Fund (LRF). Further details on international assistance to Lebanon are available in the Lebanon Aid Tracking reports:  https://tinyurl.com/yc3deusc **This story was co-drafted by Ms. Diana Assaf (UN Women) and Ms. Kawsar Fahs (UNDP), with the support of Ms. Nadine Abi Zeid Daou (RCO/UNIC Beirut). The accompanying videos were produced by SEEDS for Legal Initiatives.

On a bright morning of May 13, 2025, the air around the UN House in Beirut crackled with energy, not from political negotiations or press conferences, but from the eager chatter of nearly 80 high school students, each one a budding diplomat, thinker, or leader. Coming from Rafic Hariri High School in Saida, Brummana High School in Metn, SSCC Kfarhbab in Keserwan, these students had more in common than just their uniforms or their shared age group. They were all Model United Nations (MUN) participants, some of them national and international award-winners, drawn together by a single goal: to witness diplomacy in action.Their visit was orchestrated by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), in collaboration with the UN Information Centre (UNIC Beirut) and the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL). The day was more than a field trip. It was a journey into the heart of international cooperation and leadership, offering them rare access to the rooms where peace, justice, and development for Lebanon and the region are deliberated.“This is your space now,” said Nadine Daou from UNRCO-UNIC Beirut in her welcoming remarks. “Be curious… Ask questions… Speak up!” The students needed no further encouragement.Curiosity in the UN House Main Conference HallIn a conversational and engaging “Meet and Greet session” with Imran Riza, the UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, the students proved themselves anything but shy. Over 20 hands shot up with questions that reflected a deep understanding of Lebanon’s complex reality and global affairs, but also insinuated to these young minds’ concerns but also aspirations for their country’s promising future. “What really struck me,” said Mayssa, 17, from SSCC Kfarhbab, “was how transparent, genuine, and down-to-earth Mr. Riza was. He didn’t sugarcoat the challenges, whether it’s the humanitarian crisis in the south or the funding shortfalls, but he emphasized hope and action. That was powerful.”Riza shared insights from his journey in the UN system, emphasizing the importance of empathy, resilience, and integrity in leadership. He spoke candidly about the humanitarian challenges from the recent hostilities in southern Lebanon, and how the UN worked under extraordinary circumstances to deliver aid and uphold international humanitarian law.“I was inspired by the energy, curiosity, and determination of Lebanese Model United Nations students today at the UN House in Beirut,” Riza later tweeted. “Their questions were sharp, their ideas bold & their hope for Lebanon unwavering.”From Virtual Reality to Real EmotionsIn one of the most emotionally resonant parts of the visit, students watched the powerful VR documentary Dreaming of Lebanon, produced by UNSCOL in collaboration with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA); a deeply human exploration of people's aspirations through human stories in a country scarred by subsequent crises. The immersive experience left many speechless. “I felt like I was walking in someone else’s shoes,” said Ralph, 16, from Brummana High School. “It wasn’t just a movie. It showed a side of Lebanon we don’t usually see, one that’s hurting but still full of hope.”Some students removed their VR headsets with tears in their eyes. “It was emotional. I almost cried,” one whispered from Rafic Hariri High School. “But it reminded me why we need to keep pushing for change.”Mission Possible: Learning the Art of Negotiations and Diplomacy Later, UNSCOL experts, Ms. Pascal El-Kassis and Mr. Alaa Abdelaziz, briefed the students about the beginnings of UN diplomacy and conflict prevention, before leading them through a scenario-based session on negotiation and conflict resolution, blending diplomacy with real-life complexities. It was a simulated but serious exercise, reflecting the difficult conversations that often unfold behind closed doors in international negotiations, using examples grounded in the Lebanese context. “I learned that negotiation isn’t about winning. It’s about understanding the other side, compromising, and finding common ground,” said Yara, 16, from Rafic Hariri High School. “That’s something I want to apply in my own life, not just in MUN.” Challenging Stereotypes, Rewriting NormsIn a thought-provoking session with UN Women Programme Analyst Ms. Layan El-Dani, students examined photographs depicting gender roles and stereotypes. The conversation was reflective and unflinching, touching on the subtle and overt ways gender expectations shape daily life in Lebanon and beyond.“It made me realize how often we accept inequality without noticing it,” said a young man. “This discussion gave me the words and awareness to challenge it.” Ms. El-Dani encouraged students to reflect on their own environments and become advocates for gender equality, challenging long-lasting stereotypes, prompting many to think more critically about their roles in shaping inclusive futures.Messages of Hope, Seeds of ActionThe visit wasn’t only about insight; it was about inspiration. Between sessions, students viewed creative public awareness videos from the UNCG’s #TakeAStep campaign—short clips tackling issues like recycling and climate change, poverty, hate speech, and gender-based violence. Many students found them both humorous and hauntingly truthful.“These videos were absolutely stunning and compelling,” one student said. “They raised awareness about these issues in a pleasant, funny, and catchy way that will always dwell in our memory. I will surely consider taking a step toward the SDGs in my own community.”As an engaging icebreaker at the start of the visit, UNIC Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Cynthia Khoury, led an interactive quiz that sparked curiosity and participation among the students. The quiz featured questions on the United Nations, ongoing UN reform efforts, and challenged students to identify key achievements made by the UN in Lebanon throughout 2024. The questions touched on various sectors aligned with the UN Cooperation Framework’s four pillars: People, Peace and Governance, Prosperity, and Planet (Environment), offering students a fun and informative way to learn about the UN’s work and impact in Lebanon.  As the day wound to a close with photos, laughter, and a well-deserved coffee break, the atmosphere was one of awakened ambition. The students left not only with pictures and souvenir materials about the UN Charter and Universal Declaration for Human Rights, but with renewed conviction to be agents of change. The Bigger PictureBehind the scenes, this event is part of a broader UN effort to strategically invest in Lebanon’s youth, driven by different UN agencies operating in Lebanon through youth-focused programs like the Youth Leadership Programme (YLP), Generation of Innovation Leaders (GIL), and Youth for Impact, among others. The message is clear: Lebanon’s future is being built not just in conferences and meetings, but in the minds and hearts of its young people.“I came here wondering what the UN actually does,” said Maurice, 17. “Now I leave wanting to be part of it.”In a time when the news is often dominated by crises, this visit to the UN House served as a reminder that hope is not lost, it’s rising, one young leader at a time.Watch a wrap-up video of the visit below: