Crisis Management in Lebanon: An International Or Domestic Issue?
On the 15th of October 2020, the SIB Amsterdam Committee of Intellectual Activities (CIA) will organize the second online lecture of the new academic year! Every month the CIA touches upon another, often hot, topic with interesting speakers. We are happy to welcome both SIB members and prospective members!
This summer, a large explosion in the port of Beirut shocked many people around the world. The explosion, virtually destroying the most important port of Lebanon, sparked large-scale protests against corrupt politicians and the government. However, Lebanon has been hit by many other crises over the last years, including financial collapse, a large influx of refugees, and the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Lebanon is facing many future challenges such as a failing local currency, a leap in food prices, and a lack of a functioning coalition government. Luckily, the international community, with French president Macron upfront, has intensified its efforts to help the Lebanese. Will this be enough to rescue them from yet another crisis?
During this lecture we will answer this question with speaker Hester Somsen, Director Security Policy at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Ambassador of the Netherlands in Lebanon. Somsen visited Beirut directly after the explosion and personally led the crisis management team at the Dutch Embassy and Dutch rescue team USAR. She will tell us more about her experience as ambassador in Lebanon and the Dutch response after the explosion in Beirut. We will explore the diplomatic relationship between The Netherlands and Beirut. Together, we will look at the future of Lebanon and what the international community can do to help the Lebanese people. After the lecture, there is a Q&A session with questions from the viewers.
The lecture will start at 20:00 and last till 21:30. The link to the livestream will be provided by email. You can sign up for the lecture by filling out this Google form: