Within the framework of the strategic partnership between BBAC and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) on "Live Lebanon" initiative, a press conference was organized today at Moevenpick Hotel to announce the appointment of Lebanese famous singer Assi El Hellani as one of "Live Lebanon" initiative’s Goodwill Ambassador.

In his speech, Mr. Tarek Bilal, the head of the Marketing Department at BBAC, declared, “This event today is an example of a true partnership, in all senses of the word, between the private sector and international organizations, with the invaluable support of Assi El Hellani as our ambassador. He is a unique individual, passionate about his music and an active figure of reform in our country’s humanitarian, environmental, and national issues. Perhaps this is not surprising though, given that he is a son of Bekaa, where these noble values are deep-rooted in the environment he grew up in, and that his song, "Tell them you're Lebanese" song, has become a symbol of national pride in our Lebanese identity. Indeed, Assi El Hellani embodies the core spirit of the "Live Lebanon" initiative.” He continued, “Apart from achieving a constructive collaborative process across all of the Lebanese territories, the project has the additional benefit of reaching out to many prominent Lebanese expatriates, bringing together families from inside and outside the country to proudly support the "Live Lebanon" initiative.”

Later, Mr. Watkins, UNDP's Resident Representative,  delivered a speech in which he pointed out that Mr. El Hellani has been supporting "Live Lebanon" for the past year by participating in the initiative’s events aboard and showing keen interest in its causes. He also stressed the fact that "Live Lebanon" is about people; about Lebanese citizens and generous individuals whose love for Lebanon does not keep them indifferent from the suffering and need of the most underprivileged communities in the country. He then added that "Live Lebanon"  is about committed Lebanese individuals who feel the responsibility to help and to contribute to their homeland’s development, and there is no better example of that than Mr. El Hellani who through his music and his actions has proven his love for Lebanon.    

Mr. El Hellani’s new role will be to work as an advocate for "Live Lebanon", raising awareness of its local and global activities. The Goodwill Ambassadors establish the connection between "Live Lebanon" and individuals, private sectors, and companies that want to contribute to the initiative. The relationships that the Goodwill Ambassadors form for "Live Lebanon" make projects possible by providing essential funds for different activities to help achieve a younger, greener, healthier and more prosperous Lebanon.