The first round of the Training of Trainers (ToT) on leadership capacity and conflict management for civil society has been successfully completed in Lebanon, marking an important milestone in strengthening democratic engagement and social cohesion across the country.
The course was delivered within the framework of the European Union–funded Global Democratic Participation (GDP) project, implemented by the Arab Center for the Development of the Rule of Law and Integrity (ACRLI) in partnership with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES). The initiative aims to enhance inclusive democratic participation by building the capacities of key actors within civil society and empowering them to become agents of constructive change.
The training brought together a diverse group of youth activists, civil society representatives, and media professionals from different regions of Lebanon. This diversity enriched discussions and fostered cross-sectoral dialogue, allowing participants to exchange experiences, reflect on shared challenges, and explore collaborative approaches to addressing conflict and strengthening democratic practices.
Over the course of the programme, participants engaged in interactive sessions, practical exercises, and scenario-based simulations designed to strengthen core competencies in leadership, dialogue facilitation, mediation, and conflict management. The curriculum also emphasized democratic values, inclusive participation, communication strategies, and ethical leadership, equipping participants with both the theoretical foundations and practical tools needed to navigate complex social and political environments.
A key objective of this Training of Trainers was to create a network of skilled multipliers capable of transferring knowledge and skills to their respective communities and organizations. By adopting a cascading approach, the programme ensures that its impact extends well beyond the initial cohort, contributing to sustainable capacity development within Lebanon’s civil society ecosystem.
Participants completed the training with strengthened confidence, enhanced facilitation skills, and concrete action plans to implement follow-up activities within their networks. Through their continued engagement, they are expected to promote dialogue, mitigate conflict, and foster inclusive democratic participation at the local and national levels.
This first round represents a significant step forward in advancing the objectives of the Global Democratic Participation project and reaffirms the commitment of ACRLI, ECES, and the European Union to supporting resilient, participatory, and inclusive democratic processes in Lebanon.
