Readings in the Inaugural Speech

The election of President Joseph Aoun on January 9, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in Lebanon’s history—restoring hope, reaffirming national unity, and laying the foundation for institutional recovery and a just, inclusive future. His inaugural speech stands as a national pledge and a vision for rebuilding the state and society.

In response, the Hariri Foundation launched the “Readings in the Inaugural Speech” program under the patronage of the President, with its official opening on June 13, 2025, at the Phoenicia Hotel. The program invites universities, research centers, and civic organizations to engage in critical readings of the speech across five national dimensions derived from its core commitments.

The program employs the “Readings” methodology—a qualitative research tool used to interpret meaning from textual data. It falls under the Naturalistic Paradigm, which emphasizes deep contextual understanding over pre-set theories or assumptions. This approach is defined by four key characteristics: objective methodology, a mix of quantitative and qualitative analysis, use of pre-existing and precisely defined data, and the ability to identify intersections between themes.

Part of the broader National State Forum, the initiative fosters inclusive dialogue, national belonging, and active civic participation. The Hariri Foundation especially welcomes the Lebanese University to take part through a dedicated track: “The Lebanese University Reads the Inaugural Speech.”