Beirut:MCF Media Institute held its 13th annual Women On the Front Lines (WOFL) Conference on October 21, 2026, in collaboration with UN Women and under the patronage of Lebanese Prime Minister H.E. Nawaf Salam. The event gathered prominent figures from political, diplomatic, media, and business sectors, including former Prime Ministers, current ministers, Members of Parliament, and various ambassadors.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the conference explored critical topics such as Lebanon's reconstruction, international partnerships, economic recovery, and the impact of artificial intelligence. The discussions underscored the essential role of women's active participation in these areas as vital to achieving a strong, equitable, and sustainable recovery.
During her welcome address, Dr. May Chidiac, MCF Founder and President, emphasized the importance of empowering women as a societal pillar. She highlighted the necessity of rebuilding trust between citizens and the state and called for Lebanon to focus on women's empowerment as a core aspect of the recovery agenda. The event also featured contributions from various speakers, including L'Oréal Lebanon's Emilie Wahab Harb and UN Women Representative Gielan Elmessiri, who stressed the collective responsibility of advancing women's participation in Lebanon's reform and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the conference, highlighting the unjust exclusion of women from decision-making positions during crises despite their frontline roles. He advocated for removing barriers to women's participation and emphasized the importance of partnerships among state entities, civil society, and international organizations in supporting Lebanon's recovery.
The conference included various sessions, each focusing on different aspects of Lebanon's recovery and the role of women in these processes. Topics ranged from governance and economic revival to the impact of artificial intelligence and media disinformation. The event concluded with recommendations for state-led recovery, financial reforms, and the significant role of women in Lebanon's future development, with participants agreeing on the need for a coordinated, inclusive recovery model centered on women's participation.
