The goal of the U.S.-Lebanon Partnership Fund is to raise a significant
amount of money to support the reconstruction effort in Lebanon. Through the
fund, the four leaders will galvanize a nationwide effort to raise awareness and
resources to help Lebanese communities rebuild following the war. The fund will
complement the more than $230 million in aid to Lebanon already pledged by the
U.S. government and has the support of President George W. Bush.
Members
of the delegation recently returned from a trip to the region in which they had
the opportunity to survey the relief and reconstruction efforts, meet with
Lebanese officials and business leaders to address the devastation and assess
where U.S. donor assistance is most needed. All four executives met today with
President Bush at the White House to discuss their observations and plans to
increase private sector resources to assist in the rebuilding effort. "It's
important that the people and the business community of the United States
support Lebanon through concrete actions, not empty promises,” said Craig
Barrett, chairman of Intel Corporation. "This partnership will provide a means
for the U.S. private-sector to help rebuild the social and economic
infrastructure of Lebanon as its residents and businesses restore their lives
and look towards the future. We hope the American people will join us in this
worthy effort."
“At Cisco, we believe we have the responsibility to give
back to others who are less fortunate or are facing difficult challenges –
regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnicity or political persuasion. It's
not about right or wrong; it's about doing what is needed and making a
difference," said John Chambers, president and CEO, Cisco Systems. "Cisco's
philanthropy has spanned many areas – from establishing networking academies
around the world to providing support in the wake of natural disasters such as
Hurricane Katrina and the Southeast Asia tsunami. The situation in Lebanon is of
great concern to us, and it is our goal to support the reconstruction effort in
Lebanon and in turn help provide greater access to education and economic
opportunity. By focusing on long-term solutions, we hope to contribute to a
better future for this region."
"This is a very personal mission for me;
I was born in the region of Lebanon that was most dramatically impacted by the
conflict between Israel and Hizballah," said Yousif Ghafari, chairman, GHAFARI,
Inc. "The village where I was born was bombed, my family had to evacuate –
together with thousands of others. I want to help in the physical reconstruction
of Lebanon, but I want to accomplish more than that. We need to help Lebanon
rebuild its infrastructure, but more fundamentally we need to help re-establish
an economically strong, democratic Lebanon that has hope for a bright future.
The Lebanese people need to know that the American people are not indifferent to
their plight, but that we have compassion for their situation and are willing to
help them. Our mission is more than a government grant of funds, it is an
outreach by the people and business community of America. This effort can be a
strong component in our efforts to bring peace to the Middle East."
"This
initiative will allow the American people once again to demonstrate their
generosity by helping those in need," said Dr. Ray Irani, chairman, president
and CEO of Occidental Petroleum Corporation. "I am honored the President has
asked me to share a leadership role in this important humanitarian effort.
Occidental has been very active in numerous countries in the Arab Middle East,
and we have supported a wide range of educational, health care and charitable
organizations throughout the region, including Lebanon. It is my hope that our
efforts to help stimulate Lebanon's rapid recovery from the ravages of war
through this initiative ultimately will help promote lasting peace and stability
in the region."
The U.S.-Lebanon Partnership Fund will be administered by
Global Impact, a not-for-profit organization that represents more than 50 of the
most respected U.S.-based international charities. The Fund will be led by an
advisory committee consisting of the four corporate leaders.
For more
information about the fund and contributing to the effort, visit
www.lebanonpartnership.org
