LAUNCHING THE MAY RIHANI AWARD

LAUNCHING THE MAY RIHANI AWARD

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends,

It is with great emotion that I speak to you today about the May Rihani Award — an initiative that, for me, represents a dream come true. I tried not to use “I” or “me,” because, as Blaise Pascal once said, “Le moi est haïssable.”

May and I have known each other since our very first year at the American University of Beirut. From the beginning, I knew she was unique — a forward-thinking woman, bold in her opinions, courageous in her initiatives, yet never divisive. May possesses that rare kind of heart-centered intelligence — l’intelligence du cœur — a natural generosity, immense culture, refined expression, and a deep commitment to a more humane, just, and above all, loving world.

To establish this award, I first reached out to May’s brother, Ramzi Rihani.

The situation in Lebanon was once again dire. I was in Morocco, watching from afar the madness unfolding in Lebanon, and I desperately needed something beautiful to hold on to — something that would give me hope.

It came in the form of an email from Ramzi, containing the names and contacts of people whose remarkable achievements were matched by their deep humanism. The first person I contacted was Dr. Philip Salem — even though he didn’t know me! And I wondered, what if he didn’t respond?

But not only did he respond, he thanked me for my initiative!

I will say it in French, “Dr. Philip Salem, vous m’avez donné des ailes!”

At that moment, the words of Yasmina Khadra came to mind:

“Nous sommes les seuls artisans de nos rêves et les seuls fossoyeurs de nos quiétudes, et il nous appartient, à nous, et à nous seuls, de décider de notre sort.”

Let me translate:

“We are the sole architects of our dreams and the sole gravediggers of our peace of mind, and it is up to us — and us alone — to decide our fate.”

INFORMING MAY

It was two months later that I shared the project with May, after having secured the support of the first three founding members. She simply said:

“You are doing it for Lebanon.”

In that moment, I felt that my Lebanese nationality — acquired through marriage — had taken on its full meaning. I truly felt that I belonged to this country, and that I had earned the beautiful Cedar on my passport.

I felt that, like so many Lebanese who carry this nation on their shoulders with sacrifice and perseverance, I too — in my own modest way — had contributed to keeping it standing, making sure it would not disappear.

Her memoir, Cultures Without Borders, a reflection of her international experience, was an inspiration:

The May Rihani Award will bear its name.

WHY THIS AWARD?

Yes — why, when May has already received so many prizes and honors throughout her life?

A CLARIFICATION:

A PRIZE: Often tied to a competition, and usually includes ranking, and money or grant.

AN AWARD :A broader term that usually recognizes achievement, merit or service It may or may not come with money. It often takes the form of honors, medals, or titles. In the Lebanese context, its most official expression is the Order of the Cedar.

This award makes perfect sense, because it is not celebrating a win in a competition. It honors something deeper:

A life of contribution, of humanistic leadership, and of values that transcend borders — like May’s.

Moreover, Cultures Without Borders is a powerful reflection of what May stands for: a vision beyond walls, a humanity woven from diverse cultures and shared ideals. It vividly summarizes her global impact and lifelong commitment.

Thoroughly and deeply Lebanese, she is also a global citizen — a woman of the world.

Hence, the emblem: Cultures Without Borders.

WHO ARE YOU, MAY? A VERY QUICK GLANCE

May Albert Rihani is an academic, an educational visionary, an activist, a leader in the World Lebanese Cultural Union, and a writer and poet.

She has over 35 years of experience in international human development, having worked in more than 40 countries and traveled to 71. Her expertise has drawn the attention of major institutions such as the World Bank, USAID, and various UN agencies, which have supported and funded her projects.

WHAT SETS THIS AWARD APART?

This award sets itself apart because it transcends borders.

It is not limited by gender or nationality. It will honor both women and men, from around the world, who celebrate Lebanon through their values, courage, and commitment to a better world — and who reflect the spirit of May Rihani.

It celebrates a life path rich in meaning, in service, and in humanity.

A GIFT OF A LITTLE ETERNITY

By naming this award after her, we are doing just that:

Giving May Rihani a little eternity — a torch she will pass on, one that will continue to guide and inspire others to follow her path.

THE GIFT OF WRITING

Among May’s many achievements, what I hold most important, according to me,  is her talent for writing — a gift she also masters in speech — and her deep respect for the power of words. As stated in the New Testament:

“In the beginning was the Word.” (The Gospel of John)

As this event takes place in this sanctuary of art and letters — the Corm Foundation — I will close with a quote by Charles Corm:

“Écrire, c’est donner un souffle qui s’envole, une forme tangible, un visage éternel.”

Translation:

“To write is to give a breath that takes flight, a tangible form, an eternal face.”

It is also a testimony of a long-lasting friendship between May and Fatiha.

And finally, sharing the words of Martin Luther King seems to echo and illustrate the very spirit of the May Rihani Award: “May it be the start of a new era of peace.”

Amen. Thank you all for being here.

Thank you, dear members of the Founding Committee, for your trust in me.

And thank you, May, for inspiring us all.

Fatiha Benmansour Bedran, June 27, 2025.