This tumultuous year has profoundly tested our Association: our capacity to deal with multiple challenges simultaneously; our ability to meet the escalating mandate entrusted to us by the donors; our internal coordination; and perhaps above all, our spirit and our morale.
I have been amazed by the extraordinary energy and commitment of many of the Alumni and staff facing challenging conditions as they seek to do more for the Lebanese community we serve. Many of you are working long hours and taking tough decisions for the best interest of the “People of Lebanon”. I thank all of you for your efforts and the sacrifices you have made.
When the calls went out for the establishment of the Alumni initiative activities and for the active participation in the Alumni capacity building projects, many of you responded within days. That says everything about the dedication of the Alumni and staff.
The past year has seen setbacks in some areas and new challenges in others. But I have found inspiration in our strength and resilience in the face of repeated and urgent challenges, which has led to some important achievements.
It is difficult to enumerate all the places and ways in which we have made a difference, but I want to thank each and every one of you for doing your part to uphold our mission to advance women empowerment, influence Lebanese economic development, increase citizenship awareness of the Lebanese youth, and advocate for a better practice of Rule of Law.
As we look towards 2015, we have much work to do. I am encouraged, with the members of the board, by progress towards a common vision for the Lebanese civil society working together with MEPI-LAA on a new development agenda, strengthening our voice, uniting resources, increasing reach, demonstrating broad support for the goals in order to achieve a common objective: “One Lebanon”.
We are on the brink of important steps that can transform MEPI-LAA actions into tangible results, safeguard our common interests for the future and adapt our institutional performance for the challenges of ever-changing local and international environments. Next year must be a time for a wide action.
At the end, I believe that we have the experience and the memories to give MEPI-LAA a broader perspective, apprise our decision-making and grant it some measure of wisdom. We know that every new challenge will not be our last. We know that what is seen as a setback can sometimes be a staging post on the way to success. We know our strength lies in trying, then trying again.
We will never lose hope and we never give up to a “Better Lebanon”.
Thank you all for your hard work. I wish you and your families a peaceful and joyous holiday season.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Yours sincerely,
Youssef
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Youssef Sfeir
President
MEPI-LAA
