International Affairs Club at LAU. (Credit: J.N.)
At the Lebanese American University campus in Jbeil, the International Affairs Club is back, bringing renewed energy and purpose to student life.
Founded to broaden students’ understanding of politics and global affairs, the club has long served as a forum for those seeking to make sense of international dynamics, from shifting political systems to cultural diversity and global economic trends. After a period of inactivity, a group of students moved to revive the club, aiming to restore a space for dialogue, curiosity and civic engagement.
“The process of reactivating the club pushed me to work harder, dig deeper and take more initiative than ever before,” said Sophia Haddad, the club’s president and a third-year student in political science and international affairs. “Seeing the club come back to life, with students eager to participate, reminded me why I wanted to bring it back in the first place.”
The revival reflects the club’s core mission: to promote global awareness and active citizenship within the LAU community. Members seek to link academic study with practical engagement through lectures, workshops, simulations and collaborations that help students better grasp the realities of international affairs, particularly through a Lebanese lens.
The club’s agenda already signals that ambition. Planned activities include roundtables on global governance and climate diplomacy, debates on youth participation in foreign policy, a visit to Parliament and a series of talks with diplomats, public policy specialists and international development professionals.
Beyond sharing knowledge, the activities aim to build skills such as critical thinking, leadership, diplomacy and empathy.
“Being part of the International Affairs Club has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Mabel Karkar, the club’s treasurer and a senior political science and international affairs student. “It allowed me to connect with others who share a passion for global issues and diplomacy, and taught me how teamwork, organization and communication turn ideas into real initiatives.”
Members say the club’s defining strength lies in its sense of community. They see themselves not only as students, but as future diplomats, policymakers and civic actors committed to fostering a more informed and responsible public discourse in Lebanon and beyond.
“Our community grows stronger with every meeting and every conversation,” Haddad said. “Leadership isn’t about a title. It’s about building something that lasts — a community that supports and inspires others.”
By encouraging partnerships with NGOs, public discussions and civic action, the club aims to bridge university life and the wider world. Its relaunch, members say, reflects a generation determined to engage with global challenges and shape the future through dialogue and responsibility.
As Haddad put it, “The strength of our collective spirit today will determine the impact we can make tomorrow.”
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