Dr Kamel Mohanna, President of Amel Association International and General Coordinator of the Lebanese and Arab Network of NGOs, is travelling to Marrakech, Morocco, to participate in an international symposium organised by the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW). Entitled “From Exclusion to Belonging: Strengthening Inclusive Practices to Foster Social Bonds,” the symposium takes place from 22 to 24 October 2026.
Mohanna will deliver a presentation entitled “From Exclusion to Citizenship: People as Partners in Building Social Protection.” Drawing on Amel’s experience, he will explore how health and social services can become spaces that uphold dignity, strengthen belonging and encourage participation. He will also present a vision for social protection systems grounded in rights and justice—moving from charity towards solidarity and recognising people as partners in decision-making and developing solutions.
Mohanna will bring Lebanon’s perspective to the international gathering, highlighting the humanitarian and social challenges compounded by successive crises, Israeli aggression, displacement and destruction. He will stress that reconstruction extends beyond restoring buildings and infrastructure to supporting people, rebuilding social bonds, restoring trust in institutions and ensuring displaced people’s right to return and live in dignity and safety.
His presentation will also emphasise stronger partnerships between the state, civil society and local communities, and the rights to health and social protection as pillars of citizenship and belonging. This approach reflects Amel’s guiding principles: “Solidarity, not pity; rights, not privileges; partners, not guardians.”
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