Beirut: Banque BEMO convened a roundtable discussion titled "NGOs in Syria: Partnerships, Opportunities and Impact," held at the bank's auditorium in Rabieh as part of its "Business Opportunities in Syria" series. Organized in collaboration with Banque Bemo Saudi Fransi (BBSF) and the Syrian Lebanese Business Council, it brought together NGOs, partners, and colleagues from Lebanon and Syria to explore avenues for cross-border collaboration.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the event commenced with remarks by Dr. Riad Obegi, Chairman and General Manager of Banque BEMO, and an introductory note by Mrs. Joelle Abou Farhat, Member of the Board of Directors at Banque BEMO and Co-Founder and President of Fifty Fifty. The event featured three speakers: Mr. Antoine Miskawy, Senior Director of Corporate Banking at Banque BEMO; Mrs. Lily El Teen, Head of NGOs Relations Department at Banque Bemo Saudi Fransi (BBSF); and Mrs. Tania Hchaime Noujaim, Relationship Manager, Institutions Business Development at Banque BEMO. Several BBSF representatives and executives also participated online from Lebanon and Syria, with the discussion being moderated by Mrs. Claudine Feghaly, Executive Director at Banque BEMO.
Dr. Riad Obegi emphasized the objective of forming joint forces between NGOs in Lebanon and Syria, underscoring shared needs and commitments. He stated, "If we have a hundred hands, we can do something together, and we will be more efficient," and pledged the bank's full support for any initiatives the participants might develop together. Mrs. Joelle Abou Farhat highlighted the strength of Lebanese civil society and affirmed Fifty Fifty's belief in the necessity of women's involvement in decision-making in both countries, stating, "The most important investment today is not building institutions, but building people."
Mr. Antoine Miskawy discussed the rationale for joint ventures between Lebanese, international, and Syrian NGOs, identifying key pillars for recovery and emphasizing the need for strategic and sustained assistance. He pointed out that while most international banks avoid direct transfers to Syria, Banque BEMO, in collaboration with BBSF, can facilitate incoming funds and channel them to Syrian NGOs under full compliance with international standards.
Mrs. Lily El Teen outlined BBSF's dedicated humanitarian banking services, describing the bank as the first private bank to open in Syria and a leading partner for UN agencies and international NGOs, supported by a dedicated in-house department, the first of its kind in a Syrian bank.
The event concluded with speakers addressing questions on practical concerns such as licensing steps for Lebanese NGOs to operate in Syria, mechanics of cross-border transfers, and support for small and medium enterprises. A speed-networking session followed, allowing participants to exchange contacts and identify cooperation areas.
Through this event, Banque BEMO reaffirms its commitment to fostering institutional dialogue as a foundation for recovery and supporting partnerships between Lebanese and Syrian civil society. Banque BEMO Lebanon and BBSF Syria continue to strengthen ties between organizations working across the border for the benefit of the communities they serve.