Lebanese politics is negatively affected by sectarianism that causes divisions in society and reduces trust by citizens in democratic rights and negatively affects their engagement in the common public interest. Yet, the recent protests in 2019, mainly lead by youth, are strongly challenging the sectarian legitimacy of politics, claiming accountability and social justice for all, as well as demonstrating a strong example of national unity based on common national interests and aspirations.

The Youth Leaders for Non-Sectarian Politics in Lebanon project – known as the ‘Youth Mock Parliament’ (YMP) – is a three-year project, implemented between August 2019 and August 2022, that empowers youth activists to promote and participate in non-sectarian politics, and that encourages public support for an inclusive citizenship-based state in Lebanon. Funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, the project is implemented by Adyan Foundation’s Rashad Center for Cultural Governance in partnership with local organizations.