Under the Patronage of the Minister of the Environment, Mohamed El Machnouk, the launching of the “Recycling Project” and the 4th NGOs’ Fair was organized by the Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, and with the collaboration with “Arc en Ciel” and “Cleantec”. The Fair included thirty NGOs, introducing students to their work and the role they play in creating job-opportunities, and paving the way to establish venues of cooperation with the students. The “Recycling Project” aims to collect and recycle the hard waste materials produced daily at the University, the revenues of which will be donated to the Students’ Aids Fund.
The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of the University, Prof. Dr. Essam Osman, Vice-President for Medical Sciences, Mr. Issam Houri, BAU Secretary General, Faculty Deans, Dr. Omar Houri, Director of the Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University and Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Staff-Members, as well as the University administrators and Mrs. Zina Ariss, Director of the Public Relations Administration, representatives of the participating NGOs, and a crowd of interested people.
After the Lebanese National Anthem and the BAU Anthem were played, HE Minister El Machnouk described the occasion as a precious event because he found himself in an academic edifice cherished by Lebanon. He praised the development of the University from an idea to an academic institution that adopts an environmentally conscious approach. He further praised the Human Rights Center at the University for addressing all aspects relevant to human beings, in particular the environment.
El Machnouk then addressed the civil society representatives, describing them as the hope for Lebanon in the light of their pioneering role in supporting the society and orienting it towards the right direction. He pointed out that all the NGOs present noble aims that work towards the development of human beings.
El Machnouk also pointed out that protecting the environment begins when every aim is translated into a behavioral aspect that is reflected in the interaction of people with their environment. He stressed the necessity of sorting waste materials as a first step towards solving the problem of hard waste materials in Lebanon. It is also a sign of advancement and distinction sought by every Lebanese.
The Minister further emphasized that seeking sustainable development is not achieved if the slogan “My Environment is My Homeland” is not implemented. He expressed his optimism at the role played by the youth in pursuing the accumulative efforts that need to be exerted towards a better environment.
Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude to HE Minister El Machnouk for patronizing and attending the event. He drew attention to the fact that the University had signed together with the UN the Global Compact Agreement, including the ten basic principles relevant to the environment and Human Rights. El Adawi expressed his regret that the recommendations issued by the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro are not implemented, stressing again on the close relationship between the environment and sustainable development.
Dr. Omar Houri, Director of the Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in turn stressed the fact that promoting human rights is a well-established tradition at the University. This is manifested in a mandatory university course on human rights, and the reiteration of the right of every individual to a decent life and a clean and health environment. He further called for the sustainable development to save human life.
Houri attributed the importance of the Project to its human and social dimension, through the collaboration of the society and the individual. He declared the establishment of an environmental unit that aims at raising awareness of the dangers of pollution and the means to preserve the environment. At the same time he emphasized the close partnership with the civil society organizations, the unity of the aims to be achieved, and the strengthening of cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment.
The opening ceremony concluded with Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi presenting an honorary shield to HE Minister El Machnouk. The attendees then toured the Fair.
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