For this first edition and following a very competitive and thorough selection process, 11 bright young Lebanese jurists were selected. With this program we are trying to achieve a community encouraged and empowered to fight for the rule of law, to unite, strengthen one another, stick together and push forward. And this cannot be done without equipping each member with essential skills, knowledge and abilities – in order to become a leader, a leader for justice.  

This said, the trip to Berlin consisted of three training sessions and three official visits. A brief can be found hereafter:

1 ) Training sessions:

• “Future skills and Innovation”, this session was given by Dr. Martin Schwemmle, a transformation expert, founder and CEO of the Future Company. This session aimed to leverage the human potential and to prepare the participants’ mindset for the future.
• “Purpose and Vision”, a session given by Mr. Masiar Nashat, trainer for Customer Centered Innovation and a Start-Up Coach, in addition of being Co-Founder of the Rainmaker tribe. As the title of the session shows, the latter focused on vision, mission, values and purpose – it intended to strengthen one’s self-reflection.
• “Vocal Empowerment”, this practical session was given by Mrs. Birte Heckmann, a voice coach in Simone Dorenburg’s team and a speech therapist. This session focused on voice, speech and presence.

2) Official visits:

• The criminal court of Berlin “Kriminalgericht” – the biggest criminal court in Europe. We met Judge Marc Spitzkatz, with whom we had an introduction to the German judiciary system and court organization.
• The Federal Ministry of Justice “Bundesministerium der Justiz”. At the ministry, we had a meeting with the international legal cooperation, represented by Mrs. Luisa Schoene, former prosecutor. One of the main tackled topics were the ministry’s structure and the separation of powers.
• The German Parliament “Deutscher Bundestag”, where we had a meeting with Mr. Paul Ziemiak, a German politician and Member of Parliament of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He is also the head of the German Lebanese parliamentary group. An open discussion took place.

Either ‘training sessions’ and ‘official visits’ were not only theoretical, but also practical – I would say dynamic and interactive. The floor was always open for debate and Q&A.

To wrap up, this first week in Berlin, was informative, rich, fun and to be remembered. I am sure that by now, altogether, have clearer answers to: What motivates you, what’s your purpose, what’s your personal drive?

PS: There is one thing left! Stay tuned for the follow-up week that will take place in Lebanon 🌲