Cedars Conference 2026
Hosted by the LSESU Lebanese Society
About Us
The LSESU Lebanese Society is a vibrant community that bridges cultural heritage with career advancement. We are dedicated to celebrating Lebanese culture while empowering our members through professional networking, mentorship opportunities, and meaningful connections across the Lebanese diaspora in the UK and the wider region.
Our society has a rich history of organizing impactful events, from cultural celebrations that showcase Lebanese traditions to career-focused panels featuring industry leaders. The Cedars Conference represents our flagship initiative - bringing together the best of both worlds in a prestigious academic setting.
Building on LSE's prestigious track record of hosting high-profile conferences, the Cedars Conference 2026 will be a world-class student-led event attracting distinguished speakers, thought leaders, and partners from across politics, economics, culture, and innovation.
The LSESU Lebanese Society community
Our Past Events
Fireside Chat with H.E. Rami Mortada
"Lebanon at War: A Diplomat's Perspective on a Path Forward". An intimate conversation with the former Lebanese Ambassador to the UK, discussing diplomacy, regional dynamics, and Lebanon's future at LSE.
Cultural Heritage
Celebrating and preserving Lebanese traditions
Career Focus
Building professional networks and opportunities
Community Impact
Creating lasting connections across the diaspora
Our Objectives
The Pitch
The Cedars Conference: Uniting the Lebanese Diaspora
The Cedars Conference represents more than just an event - it's a movement to unite the Lebanese diaspora under one roof at one of the world's most prestigious academic institutions.
Why Now?
- •The Lebanese diaspora spans over 15 million people globally
- •There's an unprecedented need for unity and collaboration
- •Young Lebanese professionals are seeking meaningful connections
- •LSE provides the perfect platform for academic and professional discourse
Our Impact
- •Create lasting professional networks across industries
- •Foster cultural pride and heritage preservation
- •Facilitate knowledge exchange and innovation
- •Inspire the next generation of Lebanese leaders
"Uniting the Lebanon of Tomorrow."
Confirmed Speakers
Distinguished leaders across politics, law, finance, and diplomacy
Alain Bejjani
Shark Tank Investor & Former CEO, Majid Al Futtaim
Farid Chedid
President, UK-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce
Roland Ziadé
Partner, Linklaters
Alain Bifani
Former Director General, Ministry of Finance
Karim Émile Bitar
Research Fellow, IRIS & Professor, Sciences Po
Spiro Youakim
Managing Director, Global Head of Natural Resources, Lazard
Josianne El Antoury
Special Counsel, Covington & Burling LLP
Giselle Zouein
Of Counsel, Gibson Dunn LLP
Karl Moussalli
Partner, Jones Day
Jean Aziz
Associate, Skadden
Ramzi Rafih
Founder & Partner, NO Label Ventures
Paola Tarazi
Partner, Berchwood Partners
Lina Khatib
Associate Fellow, MENA Programme, Chatham House
Anne Kirstine Rønn
Former Fellow, LSE Middle East Centre
Camille Asmar
Head of Equity Sales, Europe & Emerging Markets, HSBC
* All speakers and themes are subject to modification.
Themes & Discussion Tracks
21 - 22 March 2026
Registration
Opening & Welcome
Keynote Address
Speaker: Farid Chedid
Fireside Chat - Entrepreneurship
Speaker: Alain Bejjani
Lunch
Careers in Commercial Law
Speakers: Gisele Zouien, Josianne El Antoury, Karl Moussalli, Jean Aziz, Roland Ziade
Additional moderation by Tarek Eid and Rasheed El Merheb
Coffee Break
Careers in Banking & Finance
Speakers: Paola Tarazi, Ramzi Rafih, Spiro Youakim
Networking Reception
Ground Floor, Marshall Building
Registration
Fireside Chat - Lebanon's Economic Renewal
Speaker: Alain Bifani
Lebanon in the World
Speakers: Karim Bitar, Anne Kirstine Rønn, Lina Khatib
Closing Remarks
* All themes and discussion tracks are subject to modification.
Sponsorship Opportunities
By sponsoring the Cedars Conference, your organisation gains direct access to a curated audience of ambitious students, accomplished alumni, and distinguished professionals from the Lebanese diaspora across the UK and the wider region. Your brand will be front and centre at one of LSE's most anticipated student-led events, building meaningful connections with the next generation of leaders in finance, law, consulting, tech, and public policy.
Sponsorship packages include branded visibility across all conference materials, social media promotion to our growing network, recruitment access, and exhibition opportunities throughout the two-day event.
Interested in Sponsoring?
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to discuss how we can build a partnership that works for your organisation.
lebanese@lsesu.orgVenue
The London School of Economics and Political Science
Located in the heart of London's academic district, LSE provides the perfect backdrop for our prestigious conference. The Shaw Library on the 6th floor of the Old Building offers an iconic setting with state-of-the-art facilities.
With its rich history of hosting world leaders and Nobel laureates, LSE embodies the academic excellence and international perspective that defines the Cedars Conference.
