Forward Thinking Visit to Lebanon, 6–7 September 2026

At the invitation of Lebanese parliamentarian, Haleema Kaakour, founder of a new secular party, Lana, and active member of the Forward Thinking WSF network, Oliver and Jordan held a series of meetings in Lebanon with political, religious, academic and humanitarian actors working across the country, including in communities affected by the continuing conflict in the south. Meetings took place at the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese Parliament and with representatives from across Lebanon’s political and confessional landscape. 

A central purpose of the visit was to understand whether there remains sufficient political space for a negotiated settlement to the ongoing conflict with Israel and what conditions would be required to lessen internal Lebanese tensions. Discussions explored the relationship between the conflict with Israel, Hezbollah’s position, the authority of the Lebanese state, developments in Syria and the continuing pressures on Lebanon’s delicate communal balance. 

The discussions highlighted a series of interconnected security, political and communal pressures facing Lebanon. Participants considered the situation in southern Lebanon, the importance of strengthening the Lebanese state and its institutions, the protection of border communities, and the need for inclusive political dialogue as part of efforts towards a sustainable settlement. 

The discussions also explored whether comparative experience from Northern Ireland, including power-sharing, political dialogue and the decommissioning of weapons, could provide useful reference points for future Lebanese dialogue. 

At the request of Lebanese parliamentarians, Forward Thinking will develop a carefully curated series of exchanges between Lebanese political, legal and civil-society actors and Northern Irish counterparts, exploring issues including power-sharing and decommissioning. 

Oliver and Jordan meet with MP Cesar Abi Khalil in the Lebanese Parliament.

Oliver and Jordan meet with MP Ibrahim Mousawi and MP Ali Fayyad in the Lebanese Parliament.

Oliver and Jordan meet with MP Wael Abou Faour in the Lebanese Parliament.