Beirut: The Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) has circulated, as part of its cultural file, a report by Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) highlighting the achievements of Culture Minister Ghassan Salam© since taking office.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the report says Salam© has sought to reposition culture as a pillar of national identity and soft power despite the challenges posed by the war, stressing that "war weighs heavily upon us, but it will not prevent us from carrying out our responsibilities."
It outlines a broad range of initiatives undertaken during 2025-2026, including the expansion of public libraries, the relaunch of the Lebanese Cinematheque in cooperation with the French Ministry of Culture, the revival of the Night of Museums after a six-year hiatus, and the introduction of year-round cultural programming featuring Lebanese cinema, theatre, book exchange events, and celebrations of cultural and human rights occasions.
The report also highlights the foundation stone for a new cultural building at the Mar Mikha«l-Gemmayzeh Railway Station, restoration efforts for Beirut's Grand Theatre, the designation of the Beirut Port silos as a historic site and memorial, rehabilitation of heritage buildings damaged in the Beirut Port explosion, and restoration projects at the Citadel of Tripoli and the Temple of Eshmun.
Among the ministry's achievements are Lebanon's accession to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the launch of a national strategy for cultural and creative industries, the digitization of archaeological publications, support for the National Library, expanded international cultural partnerships, and the inscription of 39 additional Lebanese archaeological and cultural sites under the enhanced protection system of the 1954 Hague Convention, raising the total to 73 protected sites.
The report also notes Lebanon's participation as Guest of Honor at the 36th edition of the ‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬°tonnants Voyageurs Festival in France, describing it as a reflection of the resilience and vitality of Lebanese culture despite ongoing challenges.