(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Over 1,000 Lebanese expatriates returned to Beirut from May 21 to 23 to participate in the 2015 Lebanese Diaspora Energy Conference, hosted by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the direction of Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil.
Bassil called on Lebanese parliament to adopt a draft-law to grant nationality to additional members of the diaspora. He said e-registration and e-voting should also be introduced.
“All of us have preserved our Lebanese culture in our blood. We can’t lose it,” he said. “I can’t promise you that we will change facts in Lebanon but I promise you to live the dream.”
Bassil said the conference, which brought expatriates from 73 countries, aims to further strengthen the bonds between Lebanese residents and emigrants worldwide.
The conference was split up into 12 sectorial meetings, including healthcare, engineering, agriculture, media, oil, tourism, and politics, among others.
The Lebanon Oil and Gas Initiative heard from Lebanese emigrants, who expressed concern over potential political deadlocks which could delay or halt the quest for oil.
Seismic scans uncovered the so-called “Levant Basin” in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, suggesting the existence of significant oil and gas resources off the coast of Lebanon.
A “National Council of Emigrants” was recommended to further involve expatriates on decision-making and recommendations for potential oil findings.
A health forum was also held during the conference, which included guest remarks by Dr. Philip Salem, a world-renowned cancer doctor based in Houston, Texas, and the founder of a U.S-based charity foundation.
Expatriates discussed the launching of an international Lebanese Medical Association, to set up a network of doctors in university hospitals to provide jobs for Lebanese doctors in developing countries and launch an institute specializing in autism in North Lebanon.
At the conclusion of the sectorial meetings, an evening gala was held at Casino Du Liban featuring guest singer Massari, a Lebanese-Canadian, and former Miss USA Rima Fakih, a Lebanese-American.
Bassil’s office also organized a field tour to Batroun, which included a visit to old markets of the coastal town and a reception at the “House of the Lebanese Emigrant,” which was launched during last year’s LDE conference.
The tour came just a few days after Bassil and his Mexican counterpart Jose Antonio Meade launched the Lebanese-Mexican House in Batroun aimed at boosting cultural ties between the two countries.
Lebanese Examiner live-tweeted and shared updates from the LDE conference using the hashtag #LDE2015. See highlights below:
Congratulations @Gebran_Bassil for the #LDE2015 another success that brings hope at a time most needed for Lebanon
— Elias Bou Saab (@EliasBouSaab) May 21, 2015
#LDE2015 A lot of power and a lot of energy at the “Lebanese Diaspora Energy 2015”. Excellent start for a well organized conference. — Massoud Maalouf (@MassoudMaalouf) May 21, 2015
@Gebran_Bassil in a @lebexaminer interview: “#LDE2015 is about bridging Lebanese professionals together.” MORE: https://t.co/iXpQPKCc20
— Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
@stephanycheikh Unity = strength. Strength = energy. #LDE2015 #LebanesePride — Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
Great energy, great vibes at #LDE2015. Proud to be Lebanese, today and everyday.
— Charlie Kadado (@CharlieKadado) May 21, 2015
#LDE2015 LIBC the Lebanese International Business Counsil is Proud and Glad to see you all in Lebanon “Bond Together, Strong Forever!” — Elie Tannous (@Elie__Tannous) May 21, 2015
Another success stories #ziadsankari medical inovation#ghazidabbass cars industry#w_motors #LDE2015 @Gebran_Bassil pic.twitter.com/V717Mh7OTl
— Edmond Saliba (@EdmondSaliba) May 21, 2015
#SuccessStory: Dr. Nassim Taleb is a Lebanese-American essayist, scholar, statistician, and risk analyst. #LDE2015 pic.twitter.com/OB1g6qUh2E — Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
#SuccessStory: Thomas J. Barrack is an American private equity real estate investor & CEO of Colony Capital. #LDE2015 pic.twitter.com/du9B9XFZTP
— Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
#SuccessStory: Yvonne Baki is a women’s rights activist, and first female Ecuadorian ambassador to the U.S. #LDE2015 pic.twitter.com/dfEvPrUjjQ — Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
#SuccessStory: Ricardo Izar is a Brazilian businessman & former politician for the Green Party of São Paulo. #LDE2015 pic.twitter.com/uEAtRdJxWd
— Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
#SuccessStory: Dr. Philip Salem is a world-renowned cancer doctor and philanthropist based in Texas. #LDE2015 pic.twitter.com/dffROWDY1s — Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
#SuccessStory: Mac Harb is a retired Canadian parliamentarian, who spent 25 years in Canada’s Parliament. #LDE2015 pic.twitter.com/ysHtHTm9PG
— Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
#SuccessStory: Michael Louis is a former South African minister and global entrepreneur. #LDE2015 pic.twitter.com/jY5TvsFfjj — Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
@Gebran_Bassil at #LDE2015: “We are here to generate positive energy & re-establish contact between home and abroad.” pic.twitter.com/uAkncqa3Gj
— Lebanese Examiner (@lebexaminer) May 21, 2015
@Gebran_Bassil. #LDE2015 Closing Ceremony. Il will go everywhere in the world. Save the date : May 5 6 7, 2016 pic.twitter.com/VJWKNVCzD2 — Mireille Salloum (@MIRSAL75) May 22, 2015