The Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at the American University of Beirut will engage in the following activities, in line with its mission to enhance the role and understanding of civil society and inclusive citizenship. These activities seek to amplify the voices and narratives of those at the heart of the crisis in Gaza.
- Introducing Palestine Conversation Circles: We are rolling out a structured series of dialogues termed “Palestine Conversation Circles”, which are crafted to encourage nuanced, informed discussions and foster an inclusive dialogue that spans a diverse array of topics. We actively seek and welcome contributions that highlight knowledge creation and dissemination as tools for resistance, transformation, and decolonization.
- Facilitating Knowledge Exchange: We are also dedicating our facilities to serve as a nexus for academic and intellectual exchange. By offering our premises for faculty and student-led initiatives, we aim to remain a vibrant platform where knowledge about citizenship and its interconnectedness with contemporary issues, crises, and conflicts can be shared, debated, and built upon for collaborative learning and shaping perspectives.
In these deeply troubling times, the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship expresses its unyielding solidarity with the innocent people of Gaza. We are gravely concerned by the persistent breaches of international law and humanitarian principles in the region. Our commitment is not just to observe, but to actively participate in the creation and dissemination of knowledge that sheds light on these events and fosters understanding.
Central to our mission is the recognition of the pivotal roles that civil society and active, informed citizenship play in understanding, explaining, and ultimately resolving conflicts. Through initiatives like the Palestine Conversation Circles and our dedication to facilitating knowledge exchange, we aim to amplify the voices of those affected and to contribute to a more informed and just discourse. By fostering an environment where civil society thrives and citizenship is exercised with responsibility, we can play a part in advocating for a future where the dignity and rights of all citizens and residents are upheld, respected, and valued.