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Nawaf Salam: Lebanon's New Light at the End of the Tunnel

In what feels like a fresh start for Lebanon's political scene, Nawaf Salam has been appointed as the new Prime Minister. This comes at a time when Lebanon is grappling with financial woes, political rifts, and external pressures. His selection followed extensive discussions among Lebanese parliamentarians, hinting at a possible new direction for the country's leadership, despite the regional complexities.
Salam hails from a lineage steeped in Lebanese politics. His grandfather was a prominent figure in the Ottoman Parliament, and his uncle served multiple terms as Prime Minister. This background has significantly shaped Salam's career. He's not just a political heir; he's also an academic powerhouse, with degrees from prestigious institutions like Sciences Po Paris, Harvard Law School, and Sorbonne University, giving him a broad and deep understanding of political and legal landscapes.
Before his current role, Salam was deeply involved in diplomacy and law. He served as Lebanon's ambassador to the United Nations for a decade, where he held significant roles including the presidency of the Security Council. His work was centered on stabilizing Lebanon, particularly in the conflict-prone South. In a recent milestone, he was elected President of the International Court of Justice in 2024, leading until 2027, marking him as the first Lebanese to hold such a position, and he's been involved in pivotal international legal disputes.
The public's response to Salam's appointment is mixed. His international profile and scholarly background suggest he could be the reformer Lebanon needs. However, his previous statements, particularly concerning Israel, have ignited debate. His selection against Hezbollah's preference for Najib Mikati underscores a significant political shift within Lebanon.
The challenges ahead for Salam are monumental. Lebanon faces one of its worst economic crises, with the local currency plummeting and poverty on the rise. Political stagnation has left the country in a governance limbo. Salam's agenda includes government formation, economic revival, anti-corruption measures, and the reconstruction of the nation post-conflict.
Salam's vision appears to focus on transparency, reform, and restoring public trust in institutions. With his legal and diplomatic background, he might emphasize legal reforms, international cooperation, and the fight against corruption. He could also seek to leverage his global connections to secure aid and investments for Lebanon's recovery.
Nawaf Salam's emergence as Lebanon's Prime Minister symbolizes hope in a nation at a crossroads. His blend of experience, education, and political heritage offers a beacon for change. Yet, his success will depend on navigating Lebanon's complex sectarian politics, driving economic recovery, and uniting its diverse political factions. As Lebanon begins this new chapter, the world watches, eager to see if Salam can guide the country towards stability and prosperity.
By Maria Maalouf
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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