Beirut: Minister of Culture, Dr. Ghassan Salameh, participated in the international conference convened by the Jesuit University in Beirut, held under the title “What Can the Humanities Do?” The event gathered the university’s rector, Professor Salim Daccache; the director of the French Institute, Sabine Sciortino; along with numerous academic figures, faculty members, and interested parties.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Minister Salameh delivered a speech sharing his personal experiences and the significant role of the humanities in his diplomatic, political, and cultural career. He highlighted the persistent existential questions faced by the humanities, emphasizing their recurring challenges through different eras-the econometric wave of the 1980s, the information revolution of the 1990s, and the triumph of neoliberal ideology. He noted the current challenges posed by artificial intelligence, urging the humanities to dispel the notion of their obsolescence.
Minister Salameh shared insights from his career, underscoring the importance of understanding local realities in international relations. He criticized academic approaches that overlook these realities, stressing the importance of the humanities in providing a comprehensive understanding. He explained how the humanities have equipped him with the ability to analyze political situations critically, highlighting their central role in his political life.
He reflected on his diplomatic career, asserting that the humanities are essential for effective mediation in crisis situations. He emphasized the necessity of understanding the history, psychology, and social dynamics of a country to mediate effectively. Salameh concluded that a mediator or diplomat without the humanities is like walking in the dark, emphasizing the invaluable contribution of the humanities to his multifaceted career.
In his address, Minister Salameh offered three pieces of advice. He urged the audience not to fear technological advancements, viewing them as tools to enhance the humanities. He encouraged scholars to engage with society beyond academic circles and to contribute actively to public discourse. Lastly, he called for a collective effort to overcome the recurring doubts about the humanities’ relevance, affirming their irreplaceable value and enduring presence.