The French Embassy and the "France Volontaires" organization organized a French Volunteer Day at the "Palais des Congrès" in Beirut, in which the Minister of Social Affairs, Pierre Bou Assi, participated along with the French Ambassador to Lebanon, Bruno Faucher, the Deputy UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Philippe Lazzarini, and a host of civil society associations and workers In the volunteer field. 

The French ambassador said, in a word he delivered on the occasion, "This year, the French Volunteer Day is organized under the theme of the 17th Sustainable Development Goals; an integrated and global program of action for development." 

"France fully contributes to the collective implementation of the program in its three dimensions: the economic, the social and the environmental. We have chosen to focus on these 17 goals which are dedicated to partnerships and inclusion in their achievement. Lebanon has hosted 60 French volunteers locally and internationally in 2016. It is an example not only of the richness and diversity of partnerships, but also of the effectiveness and usefulness of volunteerism to actively contribute to the achievement of the standards set," he said. 

"France and Lebanon have faced similar problems in terms of identity, the meaning of living together, and the relationship with others," he went on to say. "Therefore, promoting citizenship and a true sense of belonging is a priority for France. French volunteerism contributes to the realization of the universal values cherished by France: solidarity, humanity, commitment and openness to the other... all of which shaping relations and activating the sense of citizenship." 

"During the visit of President Michel Aoun to France, President Macron pointed out that Lebanon is the country of the message, and a symbol of coexistence within a fragile and precious mosaic. It is more than necessary in a region that is a victim of ruptures. Lebanon's generosity is unmatched in terms of the Syrian crisis, but its potentials have limits," the diplomat noted.

"Lebanon is rich in a dynamic, creative and pluralistic civil society. The Lebanese authorities and the Ministry of Social Affairs have chosen to initiate the development of a national volunteer program. I welcome this initiative and hope that we will be able to coordinate with it," he concluded. 

Lazzarini, for his part, stressed that "Volunteerism is the embodiment of citizenship and it is essential for development, peace and security in the world. It aims at eradicating poverty and combating inequality and injustice. These goals are global and represent a courageous commitment to humanity in the world, and this commitment has been a success in recent decades." 

"Sustainable development is a collective responsibility for a better future for humanity and the planet, and the implementation of these goals requires the commitment of governments, societies, civil society and everyone," he said. 

Minister Bou Assi, in turn, declared that "volunteering carries with it the human values and the commitment to help those in need, which is one of the foundations of sustainable development." 

"I am also very pleased to see wealthy people volunteer in institutions that deal with the most difficult situations. They contribute their money, time and energy to help others. There is a program within the Ministry of Affairs that receives, twice a year, proposals to support projects for societies. The selected project receives a 25000 dollars grant for implementation. This program is very effective. There has also been a large-scale workshop to support the communities hosting displaced Syrians, and we are working closely with the UNHCR," the minister said, highlighting the "rich French experience in the field of volunteering", and stressing "the Lebanese-French partnership in this regard."