The national consultation was organized in the framework of the project “Supporting Gender Equality in Education in Lebanon”, funded by the Italian government, and implemented by UNESCO Beirut Office, in favor of the Ministries of Education, Social Affairs and Labor. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Italian Embassy, the aforementioned ministries, the Central Administration for Statistics, and the Educational Center for Research and Development, as well as experts and representatives of civil society organizations. Participants were divided into four working groups: literacy; violence by gender - gender in the schools; book reviews and curricula; women’s rights in employment and work. Several suggestions and recommendations were made during the meeting and will be taken into account by UNESCO Beirut Office, during the implementation phase.

The seminar was organized under the patronage and presence of the Minister of Culture Mr. Salim Wardé. It primarily aimed at promoting the status of philosophy and creating awareness on its role in balanced human relationships, as well as highlighting the importance of critical thinking in the various domains of daily life. The six penalists of the seminar, as well as the Secretary General of the Commission and the Minister approached the subject as being in practice as well as its development in the various stages of human history.

Under the patronage of the Minister of Culture, Mr. Tamam Salam, and within the framework of “Beirut World Book Capital 2009”, the Lebanese National Commission organized a round table for launching the book “Sixty”, that documents its 60-year life journey. The opening addresses were given by the Minister Mr. Tamam Salam, and Secretary General, Mrs. Salwa Saniora Baassiri. Then a debate moderated by the president of the National Commission, Dr. Henri Awit, and tackled by Dr. Nada Moghaïzel – education, Dr. Bashshar Haydar – human and social sciences, Dr. Raghid El-Solh – relation with the civil society, the poet Mr. Henri Zogheib – culture, and Dr. Ramzi Najjar – media. 

In line with the overall objectives of the project, and in parallel with the two previous cycles, the workshop gathered 100 students, coming from different universities in Mount Lebanon. It aimed at, raising youth awareness with regards to the concepts of citizenship, diversity, and accepting the other, also equipping them with skills of dialogue, interpersonal conflict resolution, teamwork and community services.

Under the patronage, and in the presence of the Minister of Education Mrs. Bahia Hariri, and on the occasion of the International Day of Mother Tongue, the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO organized a seminar about the subject. Few experiences were presented. However, the participants realized that serious efforts need to be exerted in that direction.