The Women’s Sector of the Azm Movement and the Azm Cultural Center recently hosted the “Entrepreneurs Festival” in Tripoli, Lebanon. The event, held under the patronage of Minister of Information Dr. Paul Morkos, brought together key community leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs to spotlight the crucial role of innovation in shaping the nation’s economic and social future.
A Call for Innovation and Resilience
In his closing remarks, Minister Morkos emphasized the cultural significance of the event, stating that the festival affirms that “culture is a sophisticated act of resistance, and art is the most honest language to express humanity, its dreams, its pain, and its hope for the future.”
He highlighted the Azm Cultural Center’s role as a hub for creativity and dialogue, reflecting Tripoli’s resilient spirit. “From Tripoli, the city of knowledge and art, we renew our promise that culture will remain a unifying space, and art will remain a constant act of hope,” Morkos concluded.
Empowering Women and Youth
Janan Mabied Skaf, Head of the Women’s Sector in the Azm Movement, stressed that the success of such initiatives reflects a belief in entrepreneurship’s power to build a brighter socio-economic future.
“The youth are the ones who create the doors to the future; they are the ambition that turns into achievements,” Skaf stated, affirming her belief that “Lebanon’s future is built by their efforts.”
Joual Bou Farhat echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of financial independence for women. “We cannot talk about supporting women without financial independence,” she said, calling for more platforms to showcase female-led initiatives and acknowledging the resilience and potential of Lebanese women to lead the country’s recovery.
The Economic Imperative of Entrepreneurship
Linda Sultan, Director of the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, delivered a message on behalf of the Chamber, framing entrepreneurship not as a choice but as a necessity.
“Entrepreneurship today is no longer an option but an economic necessity, especially in light of the challenges our country is facing in innovation and stimulating growth,” Sultan explained. She identified entrepreneurs as the driving force capable of turning ideas into opportunities and challenges into achievements.
Sultan affirmed the Chamber’s belief that “supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, empowering youth, and adopting digital tools and artificial intelligence are fundamental pillars for restarting the economic wheel, enhancing productivity, and opening new horizons for local and foreign markets.”
Tripoli’s Untapped Potential
Khaled Kabbara, Deputy Mayor of Tripoli, spoke of the city’s proactive spirit. “Tripoli does not wait for opportunities but creates them, through the hands of its youth, the owners of small and medium-sized projects, and the pioneers of innovation,” he declared.
Kabbara positioned the festival as a clear message that “in Tripoli, there are indomitable energies, ideas capable of turning into production, and talents that can create real opportunities for every young man and woman striving for a better future.”
About Azm Movement
The Azm Movement is a Lebanese socio-political organization that actively engages in community development through various initiatives. Its cultural arm, the Azm Cultural Center – House of Art, serves as a hub for creative, intellectual, and community-focused events like the Entrepreneurs Festival, aiming to foster dialogue, innovation, and resilience in Tripoli and beyond.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
