The Ministry of Social Affairs and UNICEF mark International Volunteer Day with a celebration of youth leadership and the digital launch of the “Nahno Volunteers” platform

Beirut, 8 December 2025 - On the occasion of International Volunteer Day, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA), in partnership with UNICEF, celebrated the contributions of young volunteers across Lebanon and officially launched the digital “Nahno Volunteers” platform, Lebanon’s first national system designed to connect youth with safe, verified, and meaningful volunteering opportunities.

The event highlighted the growing impact of volunteerism in strengthening social cohesion, promoting civic engagement, and empowering young people to play an active role in shaping Lebanon’s recovery and future.

Funded by the Government of the Netherlands and implemented in collaboration with ANERA and Live Love Lebanon, the platform links young people with volunteering opportunities offered by municipalities, NGOs, schools, universities, and public institutions across the country. It ensures that volunteer engagement is structured, inclusive, and accessible to all youth, regardless of background or location.

H.E. Ms. Hanine El Sayed, Minister of Social Affairs, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to advancing youth participation and fostering a strong culture of civic responsibility: “Through the National Volunteering Platform, we connect young people, associations, and institutions with meaningful opportunities that make real impact and reflect a true spirit of participation and responsibility. I thank all our local and international partners for their continued support, and our Ministry team for their committed work. I also proudly salute every volunteer whose enthusiasm, creativity, and initiative inspire us and demonstrate the power of youth to drive our society toward greater solidarity and prosperity. Every volunteer initiative, and every hour offered in service of others, reflects our shared vision of a stronger nation built on partnership, responsibility, and hope.”

“With the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Government of the Netherlands, we share a clear and united vision: empowering Lebanon’s young people to participate, lead, and shape the future of their country,” said Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. “Volunteering is not just an activity, it is a powerful driver of skills, confidence, and civic engagement. When young people are given the chance to contribute, they gain purpose, strengthen their sense of belonging, and become agents of positive change in their communities. Their participation is essential to Lebanon’s recovery and long-term stability.”

Since its development in 2023, Nahno Volunteers has engaged more than 24,000 young people through over 55000 hours of volunteering, in partnership with more than 140 active entities nationwide. The platform continues to grow, expanding civic engagement pathways for youth and unlocking their potential to contribute to local development and community resilience, making it Lebanon’s largest digital ecosystem for youth volunteering and a hub for promoting active citizenship, community engagement, and youth empowerment nationwide.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and UNICEF reaffirm their joint commitment to ensuring that every young person in Lebanon has the opportunity to learn, contribute, and lead through safe, structured, and inclusive volunteering experiences.