Beirut: The Good Governance and Citizenship Observatory at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at the American University of Beirut, in collaboration with the Observatory on Public Service and Good Governance at Saint Joseph University of Beirut and the Embassy of Spain in Lebanon, recently hosted a panel discussion titled "Administrative Decentralization in Lebanon: Prospects, Challenges, Policy Pathways, and the Critical Role of Women and Gender Equality." The event saw participation from Spanish Ambassador in Lebanon Jesºs I. Santos Aguado, former Minister of Interior Ziyad Baroud, and various diplomats, academics, analysts, and experts.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the forum aimed to explore the multifaceted dimensions of administrative decentralization in Lebanon, offering a platform for dialogue among academics, practitioners, and decision-makers. A special focus was placed on the empowerment of women's voices in this field. Among the notable participants were Dr. Rayyan Assaf, former president of the Legal Department at the Lebanese Presidency, Dr. Alan Cuenca, director general of the Institute for Fiscal Studies at the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Mahmoud Batlouni, founder and president of Innovative Institutional IDEAS. Dr. Simon Kachar, founding director of the GGCO, moderated the discussion, while Professor Pascal Monin provided closing remarks.
Lina Abou Habib, director of the Asfari Institute, highlighted the urgency of these discussions amid Lebanon's complex crises. She emphasized the value of collaboration with the Spanish Embassy in exchanging expertise and fostering a shared understanding of challenges and opportunities. Abou Habib affirmed that the Asfari Institute continues to provide a safe space for dialogue on often controversial issues, contributing to innovative solutions.
Ambassador Jesºs I. Santos Aguado discussed the "Dialogues in Plural Feminine" initiative, emphasizing gender equality across various fields. He noted the significance of the Taif Agreement in paving the way for decentralization in Lebanon, aiming to highlight women's roles in shaping these reforms. Aguado stressed that advancing equal access to public responsibilities is vital not only for fairness but also for strengthening Lebanon's political system and building a more inclusive society.
Dr. Simon Kachar addressed the historical and political significance of decentralization in Lebanon, referencing the Taif Agreement's role in this reform. He discussed the potential positive impacts, such as local participation and sustainable development, while acknowledging challenges like sectarian tensions and resource distribution.
The panel also featured discussions by Dr. Rayyan Assaf on the constitutional background of the decentralization bill and Dr. Alan Cuenca on Spain's experience promoting women's political participation. Mahmoud Batlouni addressed administrative and financial impediments in existing institutions under decentralization laws.
Professor Pascal Monin highlighted that decentralization in Lebanon requires overcoming legislative, logistic, cultural, and social challenges. He emphasized community engagement and gender equity as crucial components for successful decentralization, noting that it strengthens rather than weakens central authority.
An open discussion concluded the event, with attendees exploring the viability of administrative decentralization in enhancing local participation and achieving gender equality. The importance of creating a supportive legal and institutional environment for successful reform was underscored.