Citizenship & Intelligence

In 2026, the Hariri Foundation launched its “Citizenship & Intelligence” program as part of its efforts to explore the relationship between citizenship, knowledge, technology, and the future of the Lebanese state. Building on the centenary of the Lebanese Constitution and the Lebanese Republic, the initiative engaged young people in reflecting on how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can contribute to strengthening civic participation, improving access to knowledge, and supporting more responsive and transparent institutions. These discussions were developed through the Youth of the Rise of Lebanon Forum and the Foundation’s broader vision for an intelligent republic in which technology serves people and knowledge strengthens citizenship.

Declaration of the Intelligent Republic

The youth workshop “Towards a Declaration of the Intelligent Republic: Lebanon’s Republic’s Centenary 1926–2026–2126,” with the participation of 65 young women and men marks a key milestone. The participants reflected on Lebanon’s first century as a republic before working in groups to envision its next 100 years across six interconnected areas: modernization, governance, science and philosophy, climate change, youth and future generations, and artificial intelligence. AI-supported virtual participants were also incorporated into the discussions, allowing young people to interact with technology as a tool for analysis, dialogue, and strategic foresight.

The participatory process culminated in a draft “Declaration of the Intelligent Republic,” bringing together youth perspectives and priorities for Lebanon’s second century. Participants discussed the relationship between citizens and the state, the role of good governance and the rule of law, and how data, foresight, and artificial intelligence could support public decision-making while preserving human dignity and placing people at the center of development. The initiative therefore positioned citizenship and intelligence as complementary dimensions of Lebanon’s future, encouraging young people not only to adapt to technological transformation but also to actively shape how it can serve their communities and the republic.

Topics of the Sessions

• Culture of Dialogue
• The Social Contract
• The State
• Public Administration
• National Policies
• Preventing Violent Extremism
• UN frameworks
• Critical and Strategic Thinking
• Science of Question & Scientific Research