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Thousands of Journeys, One Vision

4,000 participants, 300 organizers, and over 200 schools – that is the 2025 Lebanese American University’s Simulation Models (LAUSM), by the numbers. Still, what stands out is the journey of empowering youth and transforming governance!

Thus, at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Lebanon, we are proud to collaborate for the 5th year with the steadfast team at LAUSM on this impactful program, now in its 20th year.

20 Years of Leadership Innovation:

Since its inception in 2005, the Simulation Models Program – Lebanon’s largest simulation conference series – has enabled over 70,000 participants to develop key interpersonal skills while enhancing their public speaking, research, and negotiation prowess. Hence, 2025 not only marks two decades of LAUSM advancement, but also the 5th year of collaboration on this esteemed program between FNF and the Lebanese American University (LAU), which is also celebrating its centennial of active educational development in Lebanon.

It all began with the initiation of the Model Good Governance Simulation, an initiative created by both the foundation and the LAUSM team to advance good governance by promoting innovation in politics, as well as a culture of peace, diplomacy, and leadership. Dr. Elise Salem, LAU’s Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management, added: “LAU’s unique partnership with FNF enabled us to create, together, a Simulation Model program, Model Good Governance, that focuses on our beloved Lebanon, the country where our thousands of delegates reside, learn, and dream.  We would like to thank FNF for extending its principles of Freedom, Democracy and Leadership to our programs and for tirelessly supporting youth empowerment.”

This goal is also being achieved through simulations like the Model European Union, Model United Nations, and Model Arab League—aligning with the 2025 theme of "Empower Youth, Transform Governance".

A Program Cycle Beyond Compare:

This legacy of leadership innovation continues to inspire the next generation of change makers. Therefore, this year, the Simulation Models Program is not only being organized by 300 LAU university students, but also engages 4,000 high school and middle school participants from over 200 schools across Lebanon. It is steered by the experience and dedication of organizers who train, engage, and support participants on their journeys. Ms. Ghina Harb, Lead Outreach, Leadership & Empowerment Manager at LAU, declared: “Leadership has never been about having all the answers and surely it is not about directing change. It is creating the space for others to learn, to grow, and to innovate - a journey that is everlasting with every opportunity.”

The process starts with assigning participants to represent countries, ambassadors, notable figures, and recognized local/international organizations. These activities tackle global topics, with a particular focus on good governance. Simulations address subjects including, but not limited to Liberal Democracy and Open Society; Market-Economy Reforms; Political education; Freedom of Expression; Good governance; Elections; Transparency; Youth Empowerment; Advancement of Women in Politics and Gender equality. In doing so, the program ensures that participants are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s global landscape.

Good Governance: A Journey Toward Sustainable Leadership:

The upkeep never stops and presenting the efforts of exceptional delegates is essential. Therefore, FNF alongside LAUSM in 2025 are developing the "Good Governance Nexus: Illuminating Insights". This document will display simulated policy statements, reform papers, and background guides highlighting the role of youth in offering enlightened perspectives on good governance.

FNF Lebanon also led workshops on Project Management for over 200 advisors, managed by FNF Lebanon Project Manager Kevin Awkar, focusing on the importance of aligning processes with the project cycle and emotional Intelligence necessary for advancement in this impactful field.

Accordingly, the Simulation Models Program is more than just an endeavor; it’s a reflection of empowerment that has been ongoing for two decades, supported by FNF for several years now, with the strong purpose of Empowering Youth, Transforming Governance.

Together, we continue to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future of governance and leadership!