The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) appointed Mrs. Rabha Raichouni Eidi as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNDP Live Lebanon initiative.
Mrs. Eidi received an official welcome and designation letter from UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Philippe Lazzarini at his office in Beirut.
"Today, we are appointing Mrs. Eidi as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Live Lebanon initiative thereby further promoting the engagement of the Lebanese diaspora in the undergoing development efforts in Lebanon. Mrs. Eidi is an example of a successful and innovative Lebanese expatriate who will invite the diaspora to take part in this initiative,” said Mr. Lazzarini.
“While it is true that good deeds are rewarded, believe me, I genuinely have to say that if I ever do something good, I never think of the reward. To me, good deeds are what drive me in life and always will be. I am overwhelmed and I am grateful for this honor as I consider it yet another opportunity to renew my efforts. It is a big responsibility that I accept to fulfill and live up to with your trust and God’s will,” said Mrs. Eidi.
Mrs. Eidi is a Lebanese-American national residing in Toledo, Ohio in the United States of America. Her humanitarian and philanthropist efforts are mainly focused on supporting underprivileged communities. She began her journey by organizing campaigns to collect donations in 1982, up until her latest large initiative in 2006: not only did she raise funds for Lebanese students to attend American universities, but she also sought to fund medical assistance in Bekaa and Beirut, as well reconstructions following the 2006 war.
Mrs. Eidi is the founder and president of “Dar Al Hanan” association, member and founder of “Al Sader” foundation in America and Canada, and a founder of the Machghara Medical Center and language school in Beqaa, Lebanon. She is also a member of the “Ladies Society” for the organization of cultural events and the “Rene Mouawad Association” in Washington. Mrs. Eidi held the position of Lebanese honorary consul in Toledo, Ohio.
Mrs. Eidi has taken several patriotic stances before the American Senate and former President Bill Clinton. She was honored by the American parliament, the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, and was awarded the Expatriates Medal by the Directorate General of Expatriates.
Live Lebanon is a UNDP initiative that operates as a neutral channel through which the Lebanese diaspora and private companies can provide direct support to the development of Lebanon’s underprivileged communities. Live Lebanon projects fall under four pillars of development: environment, health, youth, and income generation.
Since 2010, Live Lebanon has implemented 55 projects across the country funded by Goodwill Ambassadors, Lebanese communities abroad, and the private sector.