U.S. Embassy Launches the Lebanon Chapter of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Alumni Network

July 11, 2008

The U.S. Embassy launched the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI ) Alumni Network at a Thursday night event at the Le Royal Hotel hosted by Bill Grant, the Deputy Chief of Mission, and other Embassy staff.  MEPI, a Department of State program, is active throughout the region.  The Alumni Network includes over 128 participants in MEPI programs.  The network provides an avenue for the alumni to continue their efforts to strengthen Lebanese society.

MEPI focuses on four distinct areas or “pillars”:  democracy, education, economics and women’s empowerment.  The Lebanon Chapter of the Alumni Network includes individuals from many backgrounds who have participated in a range of programs in all four areas.  The Lebanon Chapter’s Mission Statement says that it is “a network of positive thinkers and advocates of change. . . (who) implement activities that include drafting policy recommendations, contributing to human development, enhancing citizenship and promoting the rule of law.”

MEPI alumni chapters exist in several countries.   The Lebanon Chapter is a professional organization that will work towards enhancing peace and prosperity in Lebanon.

Since 2003, when MEPI was first established, several successful projects have been implemented in Lebanon.  Students have participated in leadership programs, women have participated in legal and business programs, and people have gained civil society skills.  With the launch of the Lebanon Chapter of the Alumni Network, the different skills individuals have acquired can be used to enable continued active involvement in Lebanon.