Notes from an empty conference room in Beirut

Monday, March 2nd was meant to mark the beginning of a series of workshops in Beirut. These sessions aimed to bring together Lebanese stakeholders ahead of the elections, which were originally planned for May 2026. The intention was to discuss how best to cooperate, ensuring that the elections would be trusted and protected, with a particular focus on the information environment.

Sadly, only hours before the workshop scheduled to begin, bombs began falling on Beirut. Overnight and into the morning, tens of thousands of people displaced from affected areas rushed toward the city centre, seeking safety.

Amidst this turmoil, the dedication of International IDEA’s local partners became especially evident. Witnessing their resilience and dedication was impressive. Preparations for the conference continued even as uncertainty grew, with interpreters and rapporteurs arriving punctually while drones circled overhead. Some participants made their way from safer neighbourhoods and villages surrounding Beirut to the venue. One participant, arriving visibly exhausted, had spent the night risking his safety to evacuate his elderly relatives from bombed neighbourhoods.

Yet, most participants had to shelter in safe places, take care of their families and seek new accommodation for friends and relatives on the move. As the security and humanitarian crisis intensified each day, postponing the event became inevitable. At first, the delay was only for a few days, but as conditions worsened, it was extended indefinitely.

In the following days, it became clear that the elections scheduled for May would be postponed for two years. After many informal discussions instead of the formal event, International IDEA’s team departed Beirut by the end of the week, holding on to hopes for a swift resolution of the conflict and the dedication to come back as soon as possible to continue efforts towards the peaceful, democratic and prosperous future the Lebanese people deserve.