Dr. Noura Assaf from the Department of Political Science and International Affairs at the University of Balamand presented her research at the Re-Imagining Citizenship in the Arab Region Conference 2026, held at the American University of Beirut (AUB) from 4 to 7 September 2026.

Her paper, entitled “Youth Perception of Citizenship in Function of Their Engagement in Public Sector Reform in Lebanon, 2021–2025,” explored opportunities for youth centric public sector reform through the engagement of multiple stakeholders, highlighting the essential role of the state. It also proposed policy recommendations to better integrate young people’s perspectives and needs into public sector reform.

Dr. Assaf presented her paper during a panel on “Constitutions, Trust and Political Reform”. The conference was organized by the AUB Asfari Institute for Citizenship and Civil Society, in collaboration with the Public Management Research Association (PMRA), the School of Public Affairs at the American University, and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

The conference brought together researchers and practitioners to discuss citizenship, governance, political reform, education, and civic engagement across the Arab region, with a focus on strengthening the relationship between citizens and public institutions.





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