Lebanese scouts empower youth and foster national unity

BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) — Scouting in Lebanon continues to unite youth across cultural and religious divides, with more than 150,000 young people and volunteers engaged through 41 associations under the Lebanese Scouting Federation. 

The movement has been recognized for promoting leadership, social cohesion, and nation-building in a country where roughly 40% of the population is under 25.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and First Lady Nehmat Aoun met with Federation leaders, alongside representatives from World Scouting and the Arab Scout Region, commending Scouts for their community service and youth leadership. 

President Aoun highlighted Scouting’s role in equipping young people with the skills and confidence to create positive change.

The visit coincided with a gathering of the Arab Scout Committee, attended by World Scouting Secretary General David Berg and Regional Director Hany Abdulmonem. 

Discussions focused on governance, strategic development, and ensuring Scouting’s continued impact in line with youth needs across the Arab region.

Scouts in Lebanon have historically responded to crises, including delivering aid through the Sanad campaign across conflict zones in Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and locally after the 2020 Beirut port explosion. 

Beyond emergency response, they organize leadership programs, peace camps, and initiatives amplifying youth voices in community decision-making.

Wassim El Zein, President of the Lebanese Scout Federation, emphasized that hosting high-level meetings in Beirut reinforces Scouting’s national and educational significance while strengthening regional cooperation. 

The movement aims to continue empowering youth, bridging communities, and fostering social cohesion across Lebanon and the broader Arab region.