Amel Association International, in collaboration with HelpAge International, officially launched its new Ageing Unit at a special event held at the Coral Beach Hotel and Resort in Beirut. This unit marks a significant step forward in addressing the needs and challenges faced by Lebanon’s older population, especially during these difficult times.
The event opened with a keynote address by Dr. Kamel Mohanna, Founding President of Amel Association International, whose lifelong commitment to social justice and humanitarian values set the tone for the day. Dr. Mohanna reaffirmed Amel’s unwavering dedication to the rights of older people, stressing the urgency of creating inclusive systems that uphold dignity and protection for all.
“This is not charity, this is justice,” Dr. Mohanna stated. “The older generation has carried the burden of wars, economic collapse, and displacement. They are the custodians of memory, the quiet architects of our society. Yet too often, their needs go unmet, and their rights are neglected.”
He added: “The Ageing Unit is more than a service it is a voice. It was born from listening to the pain of those left behind and built to restore presence, participation, and dignity. When we protect the rights of older people, we protect the future of us all. Let this be a call to all decision-makers: we must build a country that values its elders as much as its youth.”
Representing HelpAge International, Chris McIvor, Eurasia & Middle East Regional Representative, shared a strategic perspective on the partnership and vision behind the Ageing Unit. He noted:
“HelpAge and Amel have enjoyed a long and productive partnership, including joint projects that have positively impacted older people in Lebanon. Alongside IDRAAC and the University of Seniors, Amel is one of our three valued Network Members in the country. The launch of the Ageing Unit will further support the rights of older people in Lebanon. This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering local organisations to lead programmes and advocacy, while we provide support in networking, fundraising, and sharing global insights. Together, we aim to build a movement for change to challenge ageism and stigma affecting older populations.”
Lebanon’s context marked by recent conflict and the burden of hosting refugees has intensified the marginalization of older people in humanitarian settings. Joint research has clearly shown that older people’s unmet needs and limited participation remain pressing issues. The Ageing Unit will therefore focus on promoting humanitarian inclusion and ensuring the agency of older people.
Both Amel and HelpAge are united in a Rights-Based Approach to ageing, and through collaboration with other partners, we aim to influence national policy and ensure that older people’s voices are heard in decisions that impact their lives.
This Ageing Unit represents a unique and exciting model a space for innovation, reflection, and leadership in the field of ageing. A key component will be its commitment to documentation and analysis, allowing lessons to be shared not only across Lebanon but also regionally and globally.
The launch featured a high-level panel discussion titled “Ageing in Lebanon: Challenges, Gaps, and Opportunities for Dignity and Inclusion.” Experts from the fields of health, education, public policy, and community services addressed critical issues such as access to healthcare, mental health, social isolation, and policy gaps.
Panelists included Dr. Georges Karam, Executive Director of IDRAAC, who addressed mental health challenges among older adults; Maya Abi Chahine from the University for Seniors at AUB, who discussed the value of lifelong learning; Samar Sleilati from the Ministry of Social Affairs, who outlined governmental efforts; and Mariam Hijazi from Amel, who shared insights from community-based programs.
The discussion emphasized the need for collaborative action across sectors to create sustainable, respectful support systems that honor the rights and dignity of Lebanon’s older population.
The event also presented the Ageing Unit’s strategic action plan, detailing upcoming priorities related to advocacy, service improvement, and partnership development.
With the establishment of this new unit, Amel Association International and HelpAge International reaffirm their shared mission to ensure that older people in Lebanon live with dignity, inclusion, and respect, and that their voices guide the policies and practices shaping their futures.
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