Sawa for Development officially launched its pilot project in Knaysseh, Baabda, bringing together local and national stakeholders around a shared vision for inclusive and sustainable community development.

The initiative aims to:

-Strengthen social cohesion in mixed communities

-Support youth and women through livelihood and empowerment programs

– Revitalize the local economy via tourism, agriculture, and crafts

– Foster Civic participation and encourage people to remain in their villages

-Designed as a replicable model, the project transforms reconciliation into practical, on-the-ground collaboration.

The launch ceremony welcomed a number of distinguished guests, including:

Archbishop Antoine Farès Bou Najem, Maronite Archbishop of Antelias

Mr. Henry Simonin, Political Counselor, French Embassy in Lebanon

MP Hadi Boul Hosn

Dr. Fouad Abou Nade, President of Nawraj Association

Mr. Vincent Gelot, Country Director of L’Œuvre d’Orient – Lebanon

Mr. Emile Eid, Project Director and Chairman of the Knaysseh Board of Directors

Mrs. Feryal Moghrabi, Director of Farah Social Foundation and Vice President of Sawa

Mr. Karim Sarkis, President of the Upper Metn Municipalities Union

Mr. Tony Rizkallah, Mayor of Knaysseh

The event marked the beginning of a collaborative journey toward long-term development and peaceful coexistence in Lebanon’s rural communities.