RAED Affirms the Role of Civil Society in Accelerating the Transition to Clean Energy in the Arab Region

A special participatory scientific ceremony was held in Beirut, Lebanon, to award the “Renewable Energy Champions” certificates, with broad participation from mayors and municipal representatives, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. The event formed part of ongoing efforts to promote the use of renewable energy and mainstream concepts of sustainable natural resource management, contributing to addressing the challenges of climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships among academic institutions, local authorities, and civil society organizations as a key pillar for accelerating the transition toward more sustainable and efficient energy systems, and for expanding sound environmental practices at the local and regional levels.

Dr. George Ramouz, representing the American University of Technology, highlighted the pivotal role of academic institutions in building human capacities and strengthening scientific specializations related to sustainable energy management. He stressed the importance of integrating renewable energy and environmental sustainability concepts into educational and training programmes, in order to prepare qualified cadres capable of leading the green transition in the region.

For his part, Eng. Malek Ghandour, President of the Lebanese Environment Forum, presented the TeraMED Initiative, led by the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED), which aims to accelerate the achievement of one terawatt of renewable energy production capacity in the Mediterranean region by 2030. He noted that the initiative represents an ambitious regional model for strengthening cooperation among governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations in support of the transition to clean energy.

Ghandour pointed out that RAED plays a strategic and coordinating role in mobilizing and unifying the efforts of Arab civil society organizations through building regional partnerships, exchanging expertise and successful experiences, and supporting local initiatives related to renewable energy and climate action. This, he added, enhances civil society’s contribution to achieving the objectives of the TeraMED Initiative and accelerating a just transition toward a green economy in the Arab region.

He further affirmed that RAED is working to develop platforms for cooperation among local and regional actors, provide technical and knowledge support to community-based initiatives, and strengthen the role of municipalities and local institutions in adopting renewable energy solutions, thereby contributing to reducing carbon emissions, achieving energy security, and promoting environmental sustainability.

In the same context, Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon, presented the “Hima” experience as one of the leading models for sustainable local management of natural resources. He explained that this approach contributes to enhancing the participation of local communities in protecting natural resources and achieving sustainable development.

André Bechara, Coordinator of the “Homat Al Hima” programme, addressed the importance of engaging youth in adopting and developing best practices for reliance on natural energy sources, stressing that investing in youth capacities is one of the most important tools for achieving a sustainable environmental transition.

Dr. Hossam Hawa also delivered a presentation on the potential for producing energy from water resources and waste, as one of the promising solutions for enhancing the clean energy mix. Dr. Danny Obeid, meanwhile, reviewed the vital role of bees in supporting ecosystems and promoting natural sustainability and biodiversity.

The event featured an extensive participatory dialogue among attendees, discussing ways to develop and mainstream the concepts and tools of relying on natural energy in public and private services, as well as mechanisms to strengthen the role of local communities in addressing climate change and preserving natural resources for future generations.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the first batch of “Renewable Energy Champions” certificates was awarded to Professor Marcel Henein, Vice President of the American University of Technology, and Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon, in recognition of their contributions to supporting pathways toward sustainable energy transition and promoting sound natural resource management concepts in the region.