Beirut: The Minister of Culture, Dr. Ghassan Salam©, alongside UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, has inaugurated an international donation campaign aimed at reviving the Grand Theatre.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Salam© and Azoulay visited the theatre with several dignitaries, including Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Culture and Arts Authority; Mohammed Al Ghafli, First Secretary of the UAE Embassy in Lebanon; Pablo Fontani, Director of the UNESCO Office in Beirut; and Ambassador Hind Darwish, Permanent Delegate of Lebanon to UNESCO. Other attendees included Engineer Sarkis Al Khoury, Director General of Antiquities; Omran Al Suwaidi, Director of the Office of the President of the Sharjah Culture and Arts Authority; and Architectural Consultant Jad Tabet.

Salam© emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the Grand Theatre, stating that it is an essential part of Lebanon’s national memory. He remarked on the theatre’s potential to contribute to Lebanon’s economic recovery and expressed gratitude to international partners, notably the Emirate of Sharjah and UNESCO, for their support in the restoration project.

In addition to the theatre campaign, Salam© and Azoulay partook in laying the foundation stone for the rehabilitation of the Mar Mikhael-Gemmayze station, aiming to transform it into a cultural monument. They were joined by Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamni, Italian Charg© d’Affaires Silvia Tozzi, Director General of Railways and Public Transport Ziad Chaya, and Engineer Khoury. Salam© highlighted the collaborative efforts between various ministries and international partners, underscoring the role of culture in economic recovery and international cooperation.

Salam© extended his thanks to UNESCO and the Italian government for their involvement and support in these cultural projects, hoping for continued collaboration to further Lebanon’s cultural heritage and economic revitalization.