A Word from the President

Dear Friends,

I am honored to address you as the president of the Michel Issa Foundation for Local Development (MIF), a ray of hope and progress in our beloved country, Lebanon.

Fifty years ago, Michel Issa, a visionary entrepreneur from Amchit, chose to achieve his dreams from his small town, resisting the pull of Beirut’s greater opportunities. His journey began in the 1970s when he opened his first gas station in Amchit, which laid the foundation for the establishment of Issa Petroleum Trade (IPT) in 1985. Today, he stands as a major player in Lebanon's energy sector, employing over 500 dedicated individuals who tirelessly advance the industry within the country. His legacy stands as a testament to the power of local commitment and the profound impact one individual can have on an entire community.

At MIF, we draw inspiration from this remarkable story to fulfil our mission to empower local communities. We believe that sustainable local development begins with the people who live, work, and dream within their hometowns. MIF’s vision is to nurture prosperous local communities, grounded in the strength of collaborations and the richness of local identity. Consequently, our projects and initiatives are meticulously designed to unlock local potential and promote equitable growth across 3 major pillars, namely socio-economy, education and environment. We seek to promote local development by collaborating with local authorities and relevant stakeholders, promoting public and private partnerships, advancing administrative decentralization, supporting cross-regional collaborations, and leveraging local and international expertise.

As we forge ahead, let us remember that our impact extends far beyond numbers and statistics. It lies in the economic opportunities created for beneficiaries through micro-credits, the smiles of children attending well- resourced and developed schools, the safety environment provided by Lebanese Civil Defense center created in the region, and so on.

Together, we can create a brighter future where every community thrives and every individual has the opportunity to contribute to local development. Let us continue to work hand in hand, inspired by the belief that our collective efforts can transform lives and build a strong, vibrant country.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Let us write a new chapter—one where local communities flourish, and sustainable growth becomes our shared reality.

With gratitude and hope,

Dr. Toni Issa
President of MIF