About Us

THE VISION

To become a leading civil society platform for sustainable development projects and initiatives on social, economic, and cultural levels in Lebanon.

THE MISSION

To create and support projects and initiatives that aim to rebuild and strengthen the domestic economy, develop the overall socio-economic situation, particularly for the youth.
To effectively utilize and match the know-how, financial power, network and experience of the Lebanese diaspora directly to where it is needed most.

Our Foundation

Regional and civil wars, political instability, failure of institutions, corruption, nepotism, and economic recessions may have become the Lebanese “norm”, but none of these could break the positive spirit of the people or their joy for life and their admiration for their country. Despite all challenges, Lebanon was a great tourism destination. Beirut was a vibrant city full of life and positive energy and the country seemed to find an answer to any type of social, political, or economical problem.

The devastating incident that shook the soul of every Lebanese in and outside of the country was the horrific explosion in Beirut in August 2020. The world was in shock about the death toll, the unbelievable force of destruction, and the damage to the livelihood of the people in Beirut. But for many Lebanese people, this incident was more than the sum of its direct impact. It damaged their seemingly untouchable spirit, as they had to grasp the reality that something in their country is broken. They had to understand that the greatest explosion in the history of their country wasn’t caused by an outside enemy. It wasn’t an act of war or civil unrest. It was the direct consequence of a failing state. A state that was known for corruption, nepotism, and failure in many areas of governance. However, this time, the incompetence of the state and the negligence of the leadership have caused a historic disaster, killing its people and destroying their homes and businesses. The nation had hit “rock bottom” not only without leadership but because of it.

Nevertheless, immediately after the explosion in those hours of pain, anger, and agony, the people took over the duties of their failed government supporting each other, helping the injured, cleaning the roads, and hosting those who lost everything. Even days and weeks after the incident the communities tirelessly cared for their members. At this time, the civil society was the most effective organ in the country. This was the moment when Hani Saliba decided to create a foundation to support civil society in every way possible.

Our Founder

The shockwave of the Beirut explosion reached and moved all Lebanese people including the over 16 million expatriates living outside Lebanon. The Lebanese diaspora has always played a key role in the development and survival of the country in the past decades. They are well-educated, successful in their businesses in different sectors, and respected members of their communities abroad. Yet they still visit Lebanon regularly, and possess a close emotional connection and deep sense of responsibility to their homeland and their heritage.

Born and raised abroad, Eng. Hani Saliba was spending the summer holidays with his family in Beirut on the day of the explosion, the 4th of August 2020. He witnessed first-hand the dramatic events that unfolded hours after the blast, the devastation of the people who have lost all their belongings and businesses, and the hopelessness of the masses regarding the future of his homeland. However, the courageous response of the civil society in Beirut in one of the darkest moments of the nation's history triggered in him the need to participate actively in this “for the people, from the people” movement.

Soon after, the Hani Saliba Foundation (HSF) was founded, a non-profit and non-governmental entity, which will act as a legal body for future activities and initiatives.

www.hanisaliba.com