The dust has finally settled in Lebanon's parliamentary election. But whilst official results were largely consistent with preliminary numbers, traditional establishment parties have lost seats and others, such as Hezbollah, have increased their influence. This emerging and delicate balance of power coexists with increasing tensions with neighboring Israel, and as the pressure of Syrian refugees continues unabated, the economic, political and social challenges have multiplied. Yet, Lebanon also offers possibilities to find domestic and international alternatives to conflict and relies on one of the more vibrant civil societies of the MENA region.

09:30 Opening words.
Pedro Martínez-Avial, director-general, Casa Árabe.
José María Ferré de la Peña, Ambassador, Spanish Embassy in Lebanon.
Begoña Lasagabaster, UN Women.
 
10: 00 Session 1: Finding balance at home
Managing the risks and uncertainties of the Lebanese power vacuum. Mark Daou, Media Studies instructor, American University in Beirut, and political activist.
 
Gender rights and the challenges women face in Lebanon. Myriam Sfeir, Institute for Women´Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW)-Lebanese American University
The delicate balance of power of the confessional system. Mohamed Chamseddine, Information International Research Consultants (IN FRENCH, WITH NO TRANSLATION)
Moderator: Tamara el Khoury, Club de Madrid

11:30 Coffee break

12:00 Session 2: Managing a tough neighborhood
The regional dimension of the Lebanese crisis. Nadim Shehadi, Associate Fellow at Chatham House.
Coexistence, dialogue and mediation amidst religious tensions. Fadi Daou, chair and CEO of Adyan Foundation
Entrepreneurship for a new social fabric. Dima Jamali, professor of Management, American University of Beirut and elected MP for Tripoli, Future Movement party.   
Moderator: Karim Hauser, Casa Árabe

14:00 Closure