Lebanese MP Bahia Hariri Urges Dialogue for Global Peace

LONDON: In a world increasingly fraught with conflict and uncertainty, the call for dialogue has never been more urgent. A member of the Lebanese parliament, MP Bahia Hariri, emphasized this need during her address at the UN General Assembly’s Summit of the Future. Speaking on behalf of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who had to cancel his trip due to the escalating situation in Lebanon, Hariri highlighted the critical importance of open communication to address the dangers threatening international peace and security.

Hariri stated, “The whole of humanity urgently needs dialog to call ourselves into question and to become aware of the dangers that are threatening international peace and security after the erosion of the international system, violence, and lack of respect for values and conventions.” Her remarks came in the wake of devastating Israeli strikes that resulted in the deaths of over 350 individuals in Lebanon, including more than 60 women and children. This tragic event marked the deadliest attack since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, underscoring the pressing need for a renewed commitment to peace.

The Summit of the Future serves as a platform to enhance cooperation on critical global challenges and to address the gaps in international governance. It aims to reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Charter, which are essential for fostering a more stable and peaceful world. Hariri expressed the Lebanese government's support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in preparing for this summit, referencing various initiatives and agreements that have been in place since 2015, including the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

“All of these measures should reinstate trust,” Hariri remarked, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding confidence within Lebanese civil society and among the youth. She pointed out that the Lebanese Prime Minister is particularly focused on understanding the levels of trust in these communities. Hariri also stressed the significance of involving civil society and youth organizations in discussions about the outcomes of the summit, hoping that the young people of Beirut would take the lead in these conversations.

The urgent need for dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges cannot be overstated. As the world grapples with increasing violence and instability, it is essential for nations to come together, share their perspectives, and work collaboratively towards a more peaceful future. The voices of the youth, as highlighted by Hariri, will play a crucial role in shaping this dialogue and ensuring that the lessons learned from such summits translate into meaningful action. Only through collective efforts can humanity hope to restore trust and security in an increasingly complex international landscape.