The Robert Schuman Institute, in cooperation with the Eduardo Frei Foundation, is organizing a Local Innovation Hackathon for young participants from Lebanon who are active in political parties and their
youth organizations.

The programme will provide participants with an opportunity to examine concrete social and economic challenges affecting Lebanese communities and municipalities and to develop practical responses through Design Thinking and hackathon methodologies.
Rather than focusing only on theoretical discussions, participants will work in teams to identify a specific challenge, understand the needs of people affected by it, develop possible solutions, and turn their ideas into a concrete solution prototype.

• More specifically, the programme aims to:
1. Strengthen participants’ practical skills in identifying and addressing local social and economic challenges.
2. Introduce participants to Design Thinking and hackathon methodologies as practical tools for community-oriented problem solving.
3. Provide participants with techniques for researching local needs, mapping stakeholders, generating ideas, and developing realistic solutions.
4. Present relevant European and regional examples of local innovation and community development.
5. Support participants in developing a concrete solution concept addressing a real challenge within their community.

Participants: We plan to host up to 14 young participants from Lebanon, including political activists and members of their youth organisations.
The programme is open, among others, to young members and activists of the Youth of Kataeb and Lebanese Forces who meet the eligibility requirements.
Participants should demonstrate an interest in local development, community engagement, public policy, social issues, economic development, or civic initiatives.

Working days: Module 1 (online via Zoom): Monday, 26 October 2026 (afternoon)

Module 2 (offline, Jordan, Amman): 16–18 November 2026 (Monday–Wednesday)
Arrival: Sunday, 15 November 2026
Departure: Wednesday, 18 November 2026 (afternoon)

Full attendance and active participation in all modules and sessions are mandatory!

Working language: English (no interpretation will be provided)