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.
On June 13, 2025, under the patronage of the President, the Hariri Foundation launched the “Readings in the Inaugural Speech” program through its official launch and AI-assisted presentation at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut.
The program promotes inclusive dialogue, national belonging, and active civic participation. It engages researchers, organizations, and youth in the critical readings of the speech across five national dimensions derived from its core commitments:
- Political and Administrative Reform
- Economy and Development
- Justice and Human Rights
- Security and Defense
- Foreign Relations
The program employs the “readings” methodology – a qualitative research tool used to interpret meaning from textual data. 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.