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In commemoration of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, the UN in Lebanon honored eight winning youth during the “UN80 Through Youth Eyes’’ event held at the UN House on 27 November 2025. The event brought together UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, the Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network (UNGCN) in Lebanon, Ms. Deena Fakhoury, along with representatives from universities, and partners. Eight young creators were awarded the title “UN Youth Voices 2025” for winning the UN80 competition with their artistic submissions. Launched on UN Day, 24 October 2025, in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Network Lebanon and Minister Bayrakdarian, the competition invited youth aged 17–25 to convey their vision of Lebanon through a photo essay, graphic artwork, or short video. Participants responded to one of two guiding questions through their audiovisual work: (1) In your opinion, how can the UN help address a challenge facing Lebanon?  (2) If you could create a UN Youth Goal, how would you visualize it?Out of 52 submissions, a jury of experts selected eight winners, along with one overall winner recognized for the emotional impact, creativity and technical quality of her short video. The winners showcased their work in an interactive session during the UN80 commemoration event at the UN House in Beirut, moderated by content creator and social media influencer Edward Nammour. All winners received prizes provided by private sector partners, including Malia Group, Domtech, ITG Holding, and i-engineering Group. Speaking at the event, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza underscored the importance of youth engagement in decision-making processes.“If we want change, youth leadership cannot be optional,” he said. For her part, Minister Bayrakdarian highlighted the need to support young people, noting that “they cannot achieve change alone. Our duty is to amplify their voices and create environments where they can thrive.”  Whereas UN Global Compact Network Director in Lebanon reminded the youth: “Your voice makes a difference. You are not alone, the next 80 years are yours.” On the sidelines of the event, and in celebration of UN@80, a photo exhibition was organized at the entrance of the UN House, featuring 14 photo stories captured by UN colleagues across Lebanon. The collection showcased a range of thematic areas covered by UN entities throughout the country. Watch below a wrap-up video of Lebanon’s UN80 initiative.  Also, on the sidelines of the event, attendees had the chance to watch a powerful Virtual Reality documentary Dreaming of Lebanon, produced by the UN Special Coordinator Office in Lebanon 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 participants speechless. In addition, and on UN Day, the UN in Lebanon partnered with the state-run Tele Liban for a special edition of its “Ahla Sabah’’ morning show on 24 October. The live broadcast brought together UN partners, experts, and staff to highlight the Organization’s impact across peace and security, development, humanitarian action, and human rights, featuring real stories of collaboration with the people of Lebanon. You can watch the full episode below: