The United Australian Lebanese Movement (UALM) Annual Conference was held in Parramatta, Sydney on 21 and 22 October 2017. The conference was attended by members from the various state branches of the UALM. A number of topics concerning both Lebanon and Australia were discussed during the conference and a strategy was agreed upon for the years ahead. The UALM confirmed the following positions:

In relation Australia

• The UALM recognises the important role of the youth in our organisation. We consider our youth to be one of our main strengths and their involvement to be critical to the long term survival of the organisation. We are confident in our youth and their abilities to inspire new ideas and will do what we can to assist them become the future leaders of our community.
• The UALM is made up of Australians mostly of Lebanese descent. We are all proud Australians and proud of our Lebanese descent. We encourage all Australians of Lebanese descent who do not have Lebanese Citizenship to pursue one (assuming it does not conflict with other roles or duties) and we will do what we can to assist on this matter.

In relation to Lebanon

• The UALM acknowledges the social, demographic and economic burden placed on the Lebanese population from the presence of several hundred thousand Syrian and Palestinian refugees. The UALM supports all efforts to assist these refugees, who are also facing difficult conditions, to return to their country of origin.
• The UALM supports all efforts to cease the ongoing fighting in the Middle East and hopes there will be a return to peace and stability in the region. The UALM congratulates the efforts of the Lebanese political and religious groups that have distanced Lebanon from the conflicts in the region.
• The UALM congratulates the Lebanese people for the election of President Michel Aoun. During his term as President we have seen many achievements, including the passing of the new election law, giving rights to the diaspora to vote in the upcoming Lebanese parliamentary elections and the passing of a new budget and fiscal policy. Perhaps the biggest achievement was returning the national decision making process to the Lebanese people and the solidification of Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty on the world stage. The UALM hopes that the term of President Aoun continues to deliver on the needs and desires of the Lebanese people.
• The UALM congratulates the Lebanese people for the liberation of its territories from takfiri terrorist groups. To our understanding, Lebanon under the leadership of President Aoun, is the first country in the region who has been able to end the military presence of takfiri terrorist groups in its country. The UALM offers it condolences to the families and loved ones of the martyrs of the Lebanese Army, Internal Security Forces and Lebanese Resistance. Without the sacrifices of these heroes, the Lebanese population would still be under the mercy of the takfiri terrorists.

The UALM is positive about the future and believes that together with our friends in the Free Patriotic Movement that we can continue to make a positive contribution to both Lebanon and Australia.