Dr. Riad Obegi meets Minister of Culture Ghassan Salamé to Discuss Cultural Initiatives

Beirut, September 29, 2025 – Dr. Riad Obegi, Chairman & General Manager of Banque BEMO SAL, met with H.E. Ghassan Salamé, Lebanese Minister of Culture, at his office in Beirut. The meeting was also attended by Ms. Yasmine Helou, Advisor to the Minister, alongside Ms. Joumana Hobeika, Advisor to Dr. Obegi, and Mr. Bechara Youssef, Manager at Banque BEMO.

During the encounter, Dr. Obegi discussed how the Lebanese private sector can contribute to strengthening Lebanon’s cultural and humanitarian priorities, particularly in these challenging times. He presented BEMO’s flagship cultural and social initiatives, emphasizing that heritage, creativity, and culture are at the very heart of Banque BEMO’s values and identity, further underscoring the Bank’s firm commitment to cultural and social responsibility.

Dr. Obegi highlighted in particular “L’Art Blessé”, a pioneering program that sublimates damaged works of art, transforming them into powerful symbols of resurrection. This initiative celebrates Lebanon’s artistic heritage while underlining art’s role in healing and uniting communities. He also shed light on other cultural engagements such as the Rotating Art exhibitions, the promotion of female artists, the support of Lebanese cultural festivals, and the Bank’s wide network of partnerships with leading Lebanese and international institutions aimed at democratizing access to art. Together, these initiatives reaffirm the Bank’s belief that art can help regain the trust so much needed for Lebanon’s social and economic recovery

The discussion also addressed Dr. Obegi’s recent article on Lebanon’s financial crisis, which puts forward a market-based, apolitical solution: transforming frozen bank deposits at the Central Bank into tradable Certificates of Deposit (CDs). This innovative mechanism could unlock liquidity, restore confidence, and help revive economic momentum without waiting for political consensus.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Salamé expressed his appreciation for BEMO’s cultural engagement, praising the Bank’s sustained efforts in preserving Lebanon’s heritage. Both parties agreed to keep channels open between the Ministry and Banque BEMO for future cultural collaborations and initiatives.