The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) and the Delegation of the European Union organized a debate entitled Political Participation – The Role of Elections and Local Municipalities in the Decision Making Process.

This event, hosted by the Faculty of Law, the Higher Institute of Political and Administrative Sciences and the International Relations Office, took place on Thursday October 31, 2013, from 14:00 to 15:30, in the Jean El Hawa Auditorium, at USEK Main Campus. A number of experts will present differing perspectives and the proceedings will be translated into French, Arabic and English.

This debate was held within the framework of a series of university debates launched by the Delegation on the topic of Human Rights and Democracy, wherein students and the public are invited to engage in discussions with Ambassadors of EU Member States, Ministers, Professors and Civil Society Organisations. It will give students and the wider public an opportunity to discuss topics such as division of powers, transparency and accountability, plus the role of young people and women in the decision making process, with a number of experts presenting differing perspectives.

The Autumn series of university debates follow a successful Spring series of debates, in which hundreds of Lebanese students, from around the country, engaged in discussions concerning both Human Rights and Democracy and the European Union's external action, wherein Human Rights are one of its top priorities.

Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon stated: “It is important to engage the youth in Lebanon in the discussion on human rights and democratic principles in Lebanon and to explore how the EU can extend support, in order for them to play an effective role in society…”