The National Wellness Network (NWN) at the Modern University for Business and Science (MUBS) hosted an interactive parliamentary learning experience for participants in the Democracy Academy for Lebanese Youth (DALY) on September 21 at the Badaro Campus.

The event brought together young people from Rashaya and Hasbaya. It opened with welcoming remarks by MUBS Vice President Prof. Nael Alami, followed by a dialogue session with MPs Dr. Fadi Alame and Dr. Bilal Abdallah. The MPs introduced participants to the work of the Lebanese Parliament, the role of parliamentary committees, and the legislative process, and answered questions on parliamentary practice and youth participation.

Participants then moved from discussion to practice through a mock parliamentary session moderated by Mr. Mohamad Kanso. After reviewing Parliament’s structure and functions and the principles of fair voting, participants presented their candidacies and proposed programs before electing a Speaker and Deputy Speaker by secret ballot. They also formed parliamentary committees and took on different roles within the simulated assembly.

During the legislative session, participants examined proposed legislation, presented different positions, introduced amendments, reopened discussion, and voted on the proposals. Through the exercise, they experienced how parliamentary decisions are debated, negotiated, amended, and decided.

The activity was a practical stage in the DALY learning journey, giving participants the opportunity to practice dialogue, representation, negotiation, and informed decision-making.

Implemented by NWN at MUBS, DALY seeks to equip young people in Rashaya and Hasbaya with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate meaningfully in democratic and civic life. The initiative is funded by the European Endowment for Democracy with the support of the European Commission.

The DALY initiative is aligned with efforts at MUBS to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). For more information about MUBS’s efforts toward achieving UN SDGs, visit our page: www.mubs.edu.lb/sdg.

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