Editorial
By Yasser Akkaoui
When Winds Change...
The year 2025 is off to the most promising start. At long last we got the leaders that we have always wished for. Their declarations are coherent, their statements clear and frank about Lebanon’s sovereign rights and the critical imperatives of sovereignty, from the inviolable rule of law to the state monopoly on the legal use of force. And in accordance with their words, I fully expect our new President and Prime Minister (as of yet designate) to understand and support the crucial role of the private sector and the freedom of the press.
As a committed optimist on Lebanon, I wish that our country is finally, albeit after four ambiguous presidential terms and many political vacuums desperately, welcoming democratic leaders who will be moral and convincing throughout and who will carry the torch of our sovereignty in a way that makes me forget the leadership disappointments of the past.
But blind optimism is a luxury that we cannot afford. Giving the benefit of the doubt and offering our taxes and professional support to the state and government is the most rational thing to do. But trust I do not at this point. The litmus test of our internal and external sovereignty will be if Lebanon, despite our new leaders best intentions, remains at the mercy of militia leaders turned politicians—products of the Taef Accord—who have consistently failed to uphold the fundamental principles of sovereignty, independence, and national unity.
Shall we continue to bear with leaders who after five years of the port explosion, the de-facto bankruptcy of the state and the banking sector still deny the people the right to live in dignity?
The 14th presidency is time to call out and hold criminally accountable all corrupt and self-serving officials who have plundered lives and wealth during and after the civil war. One thing must be clear: the people will not forget who is responsible for the desperate state we find ours
Build and Reform is the first pillar in Executive’s Economic Roadmap 6.0. It advocates for change and improvement to the legal system, state institutions, fiscal policy and regulatory frameworks to rebuild capacities across all sectors.
It tackles the following sub pillars: fiscal policy, capacities, state institutions, judicial reform, and regulatory frameworks. Download the full Economic Roadmap here: https://bit.ly/3YIYHGY
#roadmap6 #executivemagazine #framework #pillars #buildandreform #fiscalpolicy #judicialredorm #regulations
Learn more about Executive’s Economic Roadmap 6.0 pillars: they are the basis on which to build a strong and stable economy for Lebanon.
Download the full Roadmap report here here: https://bit.ly/3mcXavg.
#download #executivemagazine #roadmap6 #business #finance #change #lebanon #beirut
Download Executive’s latest special report on all things agro-entrepreneurship, in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, here: www.executive-magazine.com
Stay Tuned!
#partnership #agronomy #entrepreneur #Download #agro #SpecialReport
Have a watch to learn some of the findings and recommendations for Lebanon’s food sector, including how to improve food security as the country faces growing challenges.
The video is part of Executive’s special report, developed in partnership with KAS Energy Security and Climate Change Middle East and North Africa - REMENA. Download the full special report here: https://bit.ly/3j07aqc.
AGRO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AGRO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
THE ROLE OF STARTUPS,NEW NICHES AND THE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT
Stay tuned for Executive’s next special report, diving into all things food security in Lebanon. We’ll be tackling the state of the sector, including how an unprecedented fall in food standards is a risk to public health, and how the country’s agricultural sector is surviving in light of the crisis.
The food security special report, in partnership with KAS Energy Security and Climate Change Middle East and North Africa-REMENA, will be out soon.
Ahmad Salman from Assafir Newspaper - جريدة السفير talks about the dangers facing journalists in Lebanon, who for decades have been exposed to risky or life-threatening situations.
Listen to executive’s podcast to hear more of Ahmad Salman’s input/thoughts on the current state of Lebanon’s media industry on our website: www.executive-magazine.com
#JournalismMatters
Lebanon is placed 130th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, falling 23 places since last year. Journalists face threats, intimidation, arrest or political pressure. More needs to be done to protect freedom of expression and access to the truth.
Alia Ibrahim from Daraj Media suggests the concept of an alternative media syndicate in Lebanon. Do you think this would be a good idea? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Listen to Executive’s podcast about the media industry with Alia Ibrahim from Daraj Media, on our website: www.executive-magazine.com
Executive sat down with Ahmad Salman, the general manager of Assafir Newspaper - جريدة السفير, to speak about the challenges facing media outlets in Lebanon.
He discussed how important it is for journalists in Lebanon to access professional training, in order to improve communication, skills, and knowledge of ethical journalism.
Listen to the podcast on our website: www.executive-magazine.com
Alia Ibrahim, co-founder and CEO of Daraj Media, was invited to share her experience about running an independent news website with no political interference, and to discuss the potential for growth within Lebanon’s media industry.
She spoke about the difficulties running a media business today, amid rising costs and a changing landscape. Daraj Media still manages to reach a wide audience in the Arab world despite operating on a low budget, she said.
Listen to the whole podcast to delve deeper into what she discussed on our website: www.executive-magazine.com
Did you know that in just 90 seconds you can learn about Lebanon’s media industry? You can also brush your teeth or take a selfie, but why not discover the nuts and bolts of our local news organizations?
Executive’s Media Development Action Plan aims to improve industry media standards in line with international practices, with the aim of maintaining quality journalism and safeguarding for journalists.
Watch the video now or download the full report from our website: www.executive-magazine.com
