An engaging roundtable titled Safeguarding Lebanon’s Heritage: Legal and Diplomatic Protection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that was set to explore the legal and diplomatic efforts to protect Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage sites during times of peace and conflict.

The event took place on February 20, 2025, between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, in the Auditorium of the School of Music and Performing Arts & MS Teams.

Featuring Mr. Sarkis Wajih El Khoury, Director General of Antiquities, and moderated by Yazbek Wehbe, this roundtable highlights Lebanon’s achievements in cultural diplomacy and the role of international law in heritage preservation.
 

Program

Opening Address:
Rev. Fr. Dr. Wissam Khoury, Dean of the School of Law and Political Sciences

Moderator:
Mr. Yazbek Wehbe, Media Professional

Participants:
Dr. Eng. Hani Kahwaji Janho
Professor of Architecture and Archaeology, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.
"Map of Lebanese Archaeological Sites Listed on the World Heritage List"

Dr. George Labaki
President of the National School of Administration and Professor, School of Law and Political Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.
"Protection of Archaeological Sites Listed on the World Heritage List in Times of Peace"

Dr. Marianne Hanna
Professor Researcher, School of Law and Political Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.
"Protection of Archaeological Sites Listed on the World Heritage List in Times of War"

Mr. Sarkis Wajih Al-Khoury
Director General of Antiquities in Lebanon
" The administrative and diplomatic activity in protecting archaeological sites listed on the World Heritage List. "

Closing Remarks
Dr. Shawki Sassine, President of the National Commission for UNESCO

Discussion Followed by
Dialogue with the Audience