Active citizenship moves from theory to practice when young voices help shape public policy. In this spirit, students from Antonine University (UA) played an active role in the launch of the national consultative process for the National Youth Strategy 2026–30, with several participants elected by their peers as spokespersons of their thematic working groups and tasked with presenting consolidated recommendations during the plenary session.
Thirty-five UA students participated in the full-day consultation held on February 12, 2026, at the Lebanese University’s Hadat Campus, Rafik Hariri Conference Hall. The session marked the official launch of the series “Youth Consultative Meetings: Towards a National Youth Strategy 2026–30,” organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The launch ceremony featured addresses by ministers and international representatives, underscoring the importance of youth participation in shaping national policy.
The consultation was structured around a participatory, bottom-up methodology. Following the presentation of the draft framework by international expert Dr. Souheil Marine, participants were divided into 10 thematic working groups covering key policy areas, including youth, peace, and security; environmental and climate challenges; digital responsibility and artificial intelligence; access to education; employability and skills alignment; mental health and substance abuse prevention; sexual and reproductive health; and engagement with the Lebanese diaspora.
Within these working groups, UA students contributed to discussions on implementation mechanisms, measurable outcomes, and institutional coordination. In debates on education and employment, they raised concerns regarding the gap between academic training and labor market requirements, suggesting strengthened university–industry collaboration and structured internship pathways. In discussions related to digital citizenship and artificial intelligence, students emphasized the importance of regulatory awareness alongside digital literacy training. In health-related sessions, they highlighted the need for reinforced mental health support systems and preventive strategies targeting substance abuse.
At the conclusion of the deliberations, each group elected a spokesperson to present its findings before the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian; the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Rima Karami; the Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Kamal Shehadi; and representatives of UNICEF and UNFPA. Several UA students were entrusted with this responsibility, delivering structured summaries of their groups’ recommendations.
The consultation forms part of a broader governmental initiative to involve youth directly in the drafting of national policy. By engaging in formal deliberations and presenting proposals within a policy-setting framework, UA students engaged in a practical exercise of civic participation aligned with the University’s academic emphasis on critical thinking and public engagement. Their involvement in this national dialogue reflects UA’s mission to prepare proactive citizens capable of contributing responsibly to society.