Dana Barakat Steps Into Public Policy Through Y-IMPACT
In a time when Lebanon continues to face ongoing challenges, MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders students are showing resilience and adaptability as they move forward in their academic and professional journeys.
Dana Barakat, a MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate student from Bahrain studying Political Science and International Relations, is taking an active step into the world of policymaking in Lebanon. Through her participation in the Y-IMPACT program, she had the chance to be part of real discussions where important decisions and ideas are shaped.
In Lebanon, there is still a gap between youth and decision-making spaces. Even though young people make up a big part of society, they are not always included in conversations about reform and policy. For Dana, this was something she wanted to better understand and be part of changing.
The Y-IMPACT program, led by the American University of Beirut with national and international partners, creates a space where students can meet policymakers and talk about real issues. Dana joined discussions held in Beirut, including sessions at the Grand Serail, where topics like administrative reform and youth participation were explored.
“Honestly, being part of these discussions opened my eyes,” Dana says. “It made me realize that youth don’t have to wait for the future. We can already be part of the conversation today.”
Through this experience, Dana learned more about how policies are made and how institutions actually work. She also improved her communication skills and built connections with people working in both the public and academic sectors.
For Dana, the experience was not just academic. “It showed me that when youth are given the space, they can bring new ideas and actually make a difference,” she adds.
As a MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders student, Dana continues to grow and explore how she can contribute to her community and the region. Her journey shows that youth voices matter, especially when they are given the chance to be heard.