On June 12, 2025, Lebanese endurance athlete Mr. Michael Haddad will bring his message of urgent climate action and the empowerment of people with disabilities to Brussels, the heart of European political discourse, where he will lead a symbolic 1-kilometer walk through the Parc de Bruxelles, under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
The AWAKE Walk, in addition to its goal of amplifying the often-overlooked—and most vulnerable—voices in the face of a rapidly changing climate, will be a high-level event featuring the participation of Luca Salvi Esq., founding partner of Salvi Saponara & Associati Law Firm and recently appointed Legal Representative for Michael Haddad in Europe; Ambassador Pietro Sebastiani and his spouse; Mr. Raghed Assi representing UNDP Lebanon; Mr. John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global; Mr. Scott Henshaw, Chief Architect of Red Sea Global; Mr. Mohamed El Tarhuni from AUS Provost; Mrs. Theresa Panuccio and Mr. Saad Bayk El Zein. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about the climate emergency and the urgent need for greater inclusion of citizens with disabilities in decision-making processes related to climate change and food security. It will also highlight the critical challenges of sustainable development, particularly as EU policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society organizations gather to discuss how to integrate the “EU Green Deal”, the “Farm to Fork” strategy, and the “2030 Biodiversity Strategy” into a global, inclusive approach to the climate crisis.
Set within the EU’s decision-making core, the ensuing roundtables in Brussels will explore EU political dialogue with the aim of drawing lessons to strengthen diplomatic capacities in the Arab region. They will also include thematic consultations focused on medical-scientific innovation to support and ensure greater autonomy for challenged people, specifically through the provision of rehabilitation services and assistive technologies as part of post-war recovery in Gaza, and through efforts to reinforce social stability in Lebanon, particularly via enhanced access to justice and municipal services for persons with special needs. The AWAKE Walk in Brussels will serve as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to meaningfully address the intersection of climate change and disability, advocating for a future in which every person—regardless of ability—can contribute to a more sustainable and just world.
The event will conclude with a Closing Reception hosted by the “Mission of Lebanon to the EU” and the “United Nations Development Programme”, (UNDP), featuring closing remarks by Mr. Fadi Hajali, Head of the “Mission of Lebanon to the EU”; Ms. Blerta Aliko, Resident Representative for UNDP in Lebanon and Mr. Michael Haddad himself, in his capacity as UNDP Regional Goodwill Ambassador.