ESSEC Alumni in Lebanon: “The situation here is critical at every level”

Lebanon is facing a political, economic and social crisis like no other – but our local alumni, very much so like the whole population, prove incredibly resilient, says Gilles de Clerck (E94), Head of ESSEC Alumni’s Lebanon Chapter.

ESSEC Alumni: How many alumni are there in Lebanon? 

Gilles de Clerck: Profiling our alumni here has been a constant challenge due to two interdependent factors: the massive emigration of the population and the highly volatile political, economic and social environment of the country. 

EA: What is the current situation in Lebanon?

G. de Clerck: It is critical at every level. The IMF recently stated that around 75% of the population lives below the poverty line. In the last two years, our currency lost value from 1,500 LBP per USD to 40,000 LBP per USD. The government is non-existent: all public administrations and judiciary bodies are defunct as public servants are on strike or unable to afford transportation to their work premises, the average salary in the public sector being 30 to 50 USD per month… All qualified workers have emigrated to greener pastures in the Gulf (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar), Europe, or Africa.

EA: How do Lebanese adjust to this situation?

G. de Clerck: I have been living here for over 25 years and their ability to overcome any difficult situation keeps astonishing me. You would have expected riots in the streets in any other country, but here it did not happen (yet?). The help from the diaspora is probably the key reason why the local population is able to cope somehow.

EA: What about the electricity shortages?

G. de Clerck: Lebanese have probably witnessed the world’s fastest green energy conversion! Since there is no electricity provided by the government, most individuals and companies have resorted to photovoltaic panels all over the country. It is estimated that currently 30% of the households and enterprises rely on such devices, and this figure is expected to rise to 50% by next year.

EA: What may strike a foreigner as specific to Lebanon?

G. de Clerck: Despite the day-to-day hurdles, Lebanon remains a land of generosity. This may be linked to the fact that its people are very open and diverse in term of cultures and religions. You learn everyday in Lebanon and never get bored!

EA: What advice do you have for our alumni moving in Lebanon?

G. de Clerck: Get in touch with us, we will help you adapt faster and avoid the common pitfalls of new comers! However rest assured: ESSEC is famous here as one of the leading business schools in France, and its reputation grew even further when it teamed up with ESA (École Supérieure des Affaires) in Beirut. You’ll be welcome.

EA: Where do our alumni live in Lebanon? 

G. de Clerck: Due to the size of the country (only 10,452km², 250km wide x 400km long), all the members of the community are close to each other, the vast majority living in Beirut and its suburbs.

EA: What are the offer and services of ESSEC Alumni’s Lebanon Chapter? 

G. de Clerck: Our main goal is to retain our alumni in the country with a focus on “we are here to help” spirit. We share experience, assist anyone in need, and launch networking events. The last one was a leadership and management workshop in November with Isabelle Rey-Millet (EXEC MBA 00), and the next one will be by the end of the year, leveraging on the ESSEC diaspora visiting Lebanon during the festive season. We are also working on identifying and profiling the members of our local community, and planning to send them a short questionnaire so as to understand their needs better. Feel free to reach out at gillesdeclerck@gmail.com.

EA: Who are the members of your team? 

G. de Clerck: Many thanks to my fellow volunteers: Ludmila Lahlou-Bitar (E02), Vianney Basse (E97), Laurent-Marc Gharzani (M09), Farid Chehab (E08) and Marie Chahine (BBA 21)! Each brings specific skills on the table: communication, NGOs, impact, F&B, FMCG, finance and development, etc. 

Interview by Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni 

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