The uprising of October 2019 saw people from different socio-economic, religious, and political backgrounds come together in an unprecedented and organic phenomenon. As new players entered the political landscape, and a shift occurred in the socio-political sphere“, The Pulse” initiated this first edition of a countrywide mapping of traditional and newly emerging CSOs following the October 17, 2019 uprising, narrowing down a pool of 420 CSOs to a representative sample of 63.
This study mainly aims at shedding light on these CSO’s overall status and highlights their impact on policymaking. Also offering a greater understanding of the current political climate and the interplay of its different actors.
A triangulation technique was adopted in addition to advanced digital analytics tools, allowing this mapping study to provide a subjective situational analysis of the CSOs. It gives insight into their organizational structure, alliances, demands, goals, financing, behaviour, and tools. Additionally, an overview of the CSOs political views is presented and their Social Media presence is analysed. The study concludes with a set of recommendations for the future.
The significance of this mapping study resides in the fact that its issuance coincided with multiple events such as the electoral milestones, the Economic deterioration, the devastating blast on August 4th, the absence of a government, the COVID-19 pandemic and more. Poverty grows more rampant and the situation is gradually exacerbating. If left untreated, these factors will surely lead to an unprecedented social disaster since the civil war.
The main message behind this study is to push CSOs to assume a role whether big or small in political life. We as “The Pulse” believe that change must be affected sooner rather than later before we reach the point of no return. If the situation does not change, Lebanon shall lose its special democratic aspect, its openness to the entire world and its ability to act as a beacon of coexistence and tolerance.

Speaker's Bio
Huda Usta Kaskas, is the Founder and CEO of The Pulse. She enjoys a proven track record in the fields of sustainable development, public affairs, and elections based on her extensive involvement in strategic research, planning communication, management, and execution paired with her computer science degree.Huda has worked as an elected councillor of Beirut Municipality since 2016. She tendered her resignation in 2019, after the uprising, but never enacted it. She successfully managed one of the toughest parliamentary electoral races in 2018 in Beirut for the National Dialogue Party leader. This success story expanded to encompass municipal, syndicate, association, and university student council elections.Huda believes in consolidating democratic and liberal values to endorse and stimulate dialogue, safeguard elections and advocate for parliamentary and electoral reforms. Founder of “Beirutiyat '' NGO, Founder and president of “Beirutopia” NGO, Founder and CEO of “Wings” for transformative learning and wellbeing, she advocates for local governance, as well as youth & women empowerment and the active participation of women in the political ecosystem.

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Tickets are free, but booking is a must!

Places are limited, book here:

https://ihjoz.com/events/6030#checkout

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This session will be online from the comfort of your home.

This session is part of the Free Online Series Program done by I Have Learned Academy in collaboration with KAS: "Thoughts & Talks for a Better Lebanon"