The Department of Political Science and International Affairs (PSIA), Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University of Balamand (UOB), held the fourth edition of its Dialogue Project on April 14, 2026, bringing together students from UOB and the American University in Cairo (AUC) for an engaging exchange of ideas.
The session took place at UOB and formed part of an ongoing academic collaboration aimed at fostering open dialogue among youth on pressing issues shaping the Arab world. This year’s edition focused on the role of youth movements, particularly in the Global South, with an emphasis on the Arab region and the wider Middle East.
Students from the PSIA Department at UOB, led by Dr. Noura Assaf, joined students enrolled in the seminar course “The Arab Revolutions through Arab Eyes” (SEMR.4028), led by Dr. Fouad Hablouni at AUC. The session provided a platform for participants to examine the growing influence of youth activism and the evolving dynamics of political engagement among younger generations.
Discussions highlighted recent uprisings and protest movements across countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Lebanon, where the role of Generation Z has become increasingly visible. Participants explored how symbols, digital platforms, and transnational narratives contribute to mobilization efforts, while also addressing the structural challenges facing youth in the region.
Key issues included unemployment, inequality, governance gaps, and the absence of inclusive national youth strategies. Students reflected on how these factors intersect with questions of identity and culture, often fueling frustration and shaping new forms of political expression. The impact of digital technology on activism and communication was also a central theme, with participants acknowledging its role in amplifying youth voices and facilitating collective action.
The Dialogue Project continues to serve as a vital space for cross-border academic cooperation, enabling students to exchange perspectives, identify common ground, and deepen mutual understanding. As an annual tradition within the PSIA Department, the initiative reflects UOB’s commitment to promoting critical thinking, civic engagement, and informed dialogue on regional issues.
