Adyan Foundation organized a momentous ceremony that brought together friends, partners, the Board of Directors, and dedicated employees to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the outgoing executive director at the conclusion of his impactful three-year tenure. The event served a dual purpose: introducing the new director and unveiling the organization’s revitalized visual identity. The ceremony took place on the evening of Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Leila Turki Theater located in the Oriental Library in Beirut.
In her speech, Dr. Nayla Tabbara, the President of Adyan, shed light on the shifting standards and values prevalent in our world today, characterized by a global trend towards indifference and inhumanity. She emphasized Adyan’s unwavering commitment to upholding elevated principles without compromise or apathy, advocating fervently for human dignity, the sanctity of life, diversity, solidarity, and the promotion of inclusive citizenship and freedom. Dr. Tabbara underscored the significance of continuous self-reflection and steadfast accountability in every endeavor.
Continuing her speech, Dr. Tabbara reflected upon the past three years under the exceptional leadership of Dr. Elie Al-Hindy, commending him for his outstanding guidance and the expansion of Adyan’s team. She highlighted notable achievements such as the establishment of an office in Iraq and the implementation of special projects in various regions. Additionally, she acknowledged the development of new initiatives within Lebanon, which broadened Adyan’s sphere of influence. All of these accomplishments were realized amidst the exceptional and challenging circumstances faced by the country during this period.
Dr. Elie Al-Hindy, in his remarks, reflected on the remarkable resilience and growth of Adyan, drawing a parallel to a sturdy house built on a solid foundation. He highlighted the organization’s ability to persevere, progress, and even flourish amidst various challenges. According to him, this resilience can be attributed to three fundamental elements: an exceptional and highly effective team comparable to renowned international institutions, the relevance and practicality of proposals that address the needs of people in real-life situations, and a culture of innovation and adaptability. Dr. Al-Hindy expressed confidence in leaving Adyan in capable hands, acknowledging the team’s ability to keep hope alive in the face of a challenging and often bleak global landscape.
The newly appointed executive director, Alexander Adam, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Adyan for placing their trust in him and extended appreciation to Dr. Al-Hindy for facilitating a seamless leadership transition. He emphasized his commitment to cultivating trust and strong partnerships with Adyan’s stakeholders, underscoring his unwavering dedication to upholding the organization’s core values.
Subsequently, Dr. Tabbara took the stage to present Dr. Hindy with a commendation trophy, symbolizing deep appreciation for his significant achievements. In a symbolic gesture, Dr. Al-Hindy formally passed the baton of responsibility to Alexandre Adam, the newly appointed director, who wholeheartedly embraced the role. Furthermore, the event marked the official unveiling of Adyan’s refreshed visual identity, which will prominently represent the organization in the years to come.
Notably, Adyan Foundation was established as a non-governmental organization in Lebanon during the turbulent period of the July 2006 war. Founded by individuals from diverse religious and regional backgrounds, the foundation has dedicated itself to tireless efforts at local, regional, and international levels. Its mission has been centered around promoting essential values such as pluralism, inclusive citizenship, social cohesion, spiritual solidarity, and religious social responsibility. Adyan has effectively pursued these goals through contextual approaches across multiple domains, including citizenship and education, media, policy-making, and fostering intercultural and interreligious relations.
Over the years, Adyan has undergone significant growth and has honed its experiences and approaches to address the complex issues and diverse contexts in which it operates. Throughout this journey, the organization has weathered numerous challenging circumstances witnessed by Lebanon, neighboring countries, and the world at large, spanning security, economic, and health-related crises. Through the collective efforts of a dedicated and experienced team, both past and present, Adyan has successfully overcome these difficulties and adapted to the ever-changing landscape. The organization’s core values, which encompass diversity, solidarity, and human dignity, continue to be upheld passionately. This success can be attributed to an effective board of directors and meticulous internal policies, resulting in a pioneering governance model that has facilitated seamless transitions in the organization’s management over the years, up until the present day.
