[LCM Articles] Expatriates unite in Lebanon summer 2006

[Walid G. Chamoun]

Expatriates unite in Lebanon summer 2006

Saturday, 18 March, 2006 @ 8:22 AM
By Jihane Abou Chabke, Special to Ya Libnan
In an international effort to link the world's Lebanese communities with their homeland, a non-profit organization has made it their mission to invite fellow citizens to explore financial and economic opportunities in Lebanon.
Moghtarebee Lubnan (or “Lebanon Expats”) and the Lebanese International Business Council (LIBC) are hosting an expatriate gathering and business conference to be held in Beirut this summer. The three-day event is scheduled to take place between July 28-30, 2006, and will feature an agenda that entails a business and networking day, a social and cultural day, and a recreational activity day.
The alliance between Moghtarebee Lubnan and LIBC aims to unite the Lebanese communities all over the world by providing critical knowledge and resources towards achieving economic progress in Lebanon, creating networking opportunities for business professionals, and promoting investments in Lebanon.
For its part, Moghtarebee Lubnan is a group of young Lebanese expatriates who felt the urge to unite, especially after the horrific political assassinations that shook Lebanon in 2005. This international non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian group of Lebanese scholars, artists, and business professionals of diverse backgrounds is united in the name of Lebanon and dedicated to building channels of communication between Lebanese living in Lebanon and those living abroad.
In order to raise awareness for their mission and the Moghtarebeen event taking place in Lebanon next July, Moghtarebee Lubnan are also teaming with other Lebanese groups in the USA, Spain, Qatar, France, Canada, Australia, Argentina, the United Kingdom and other countries. Rabih Mogharbel, founder of the Lebanese Expats, believes that “a successful expatriates gathering in Beirut will provide evidence to the world that, although our people may be dispersed around the globe, we are still united by a common identity and history that no amount of distance can sever.”
The weekend-long event will consist of the following:
Day 1, July 28: Business Conference and Networking Day. Important topics will be addressed such as IT and technology sectors, electricity/utility industries, real estate development, banking, and much more. Attendees will include Lebanese PM and ministers, as well as prominent guest speakers. This conference will be held for invitees only. 
Day 2, July 29: Unity and Cultural Day. This “free-for-all” part of the program will involve select guest speakers from parts of the world, expatriate group booths offering valuable information and exhibits of Lebanese projects, booths for ‘made in Lebanon’ goods, a peaceful demonstration march from the Moghtarebee statue to Freedom Square, live TV talk shows and much more. 
Day 3, July 30:Recreational Activity Day. This day will include different athletic games of “Locals vs. Expats” teams with musical performances by Moghtarebee Lubnan artists during half-times, as well as other tourism-related endeavors. Also a day for all to attend.

The potential success that this historical event will bring could be huge for Lebanon, and could be the start of the revival the country needs to become a prosperous and independent Lebanon. The astounding success of the international Lebanese community could create an economic force that will play a great financial role in today’s global marketplace, and this conference is just one way of achieving those goals.
Support for and participation in this gathering will show the Lebanese people that expatriates all over the globe are uniting and working together to promote growth and freedom for Lebanon. Be part of this demonstration of solidarity and help make it a successful part of Lebanese history!
If you are interested in attending or sponsoring this event, please visit the Lebanon Expats main website at www.moghtarebeen.com


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