Under the patronage of the Ministry of State for Administrative Reform, the European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD) organized the exhibition "Teslam Dayyatak" at Tripoli art house on Friday, January 26, 2018. This activity was held within the framework of the project "Developing a stimulating social and economic environment in north Lebanon", which is supported by AFKAR 3 , program funded by the European Union and managed by the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform.

The exhibition started with a press conference during which the winning groups were announced as part of the support project for youth and women. The cheques were distributed to the winners in the presence of representatives of the supporting entities, municipalities and associations playing an active role in the social field, as well as non-governmental organizations and civil society in different regions of north Lebanon.

AFKAR Program Manager, Mrs. Youmna Chacar Ghorayeb, representing the Minister of State for Administrative Reform, focused on the importance of ensuring job opportunities and stimulating the economic sector, especially in the north of Lebanon. She highlighted the necessity of focusing on women and youth as active groups. Besides, Mrs. Ghorayeb underlined the role of the technical and managerial training sessions, aiming to achieve the required progress in terms of promoting employment opportunities. As well, she wished to the winners success in the implementation of their projects.

The Regional Director of the European Institute for Cooperation and Development in the Middle East, Mr. Nicolas Pinton, said that the selected institutions will be funded financially and through customized training sessions. He added that the Institute supports the existing partners in the society by enhancing the cooperation and the sustainability. He stressed on the fact that money without competency is not enough for the success of any project and development. Before, it is mandatory to improve the skills.

After the press conference, the participants visited the exhibition, which lasted till Sunday, January 28. The crafts and handicrafts of north Lebanon were presented: soap, wood, high quality of  sewing and embroidery, painting, manufacture of small vessels, as well as fresh products prepared by a group of young graduates from the European Institute, within the framework of the project "Developing Small Enterprises in Lebanon".