Why Vegan Conference 2024: A Night of Education, Inspiration, and Delicious Food at Hayek Hospital, Lebanon
On June 4th, 2024, Hayek Hospital in Sin El Fil, Lebanon, played host to a unique event: the “Why Vegan Conference - 2024 Edition" organized by the Lebanese Vegans NGO. The conference drew over 400 attendees wanting to learn more about the vegan lifestyle and its impact on health, the environment, and animals. Let’s dive into the highlights of this inspiring conference.
The documentary screening of “Carne: The Unsustainable Footprint”
Hayek hospital auditoriumThe conference started with the screening of the award-winning documentary “Carne: The Unsustainable Footprint.” A light-shedding documentary on the critical intersection of our diet patterns, planetary health, and personal well-being. It was filmed across several countries such as Portugal, Belgium, France, the UK, and notably Lebanon. The docu-film featured Hayek Hospital, the world’s first vegan hospital, which exclusively serves plant-based meals to its patients.
Q&A session
Following the screening, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session with the film's producer, Mr. Francisco Guerreiroo, a Portuguese politician currently serving as an independent Member of the European Parliament for Portugal.
Animal Rights and Environmental Impact
The next speech was mine, Roland Azar, an animal rights activist and an active member of the Lebanese Vegans NGO. My presentation focused on animal rights and the environmental impact of animal agriculture. I highlighted the devastating effects of factory farming on our planet. I discussed how a vegan diet could help fight global warming by reducing our carbon footprint and even fighting world hunger. I emphasized that plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy are designed to fill a role that appeals to our taste buds and dietary habits, and their goal is to accelerate behavioral shifts toward more ethical and sustainable dietary patterns. I concluded my talk with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi that goes, "Be the Change You Wish to See in the World."
Health and Nutrition
Vegan dietitian Samira Oufan followed with an informative talk. She discussed the health risks associated with animal products and explained how we can obtain essential nutrients directly from plant-based sources. Her evidence-based approach resonated with the audience, sparking conversations about personal well-being.
Ditching Dairy: Potential Health Risks and Ethical Implications
Nour Nasrallah, a health coach and dietician, addressed the dairy industry's tragedies. She investigated the harmful health consequences of drinking cow's milk and the ethical reasons for abstaining. Her strong lobbying prompted guests to reconsider their dairy consumption habits and sustainable choices.
It was a resounding success. The informative presentations sparked curiosity and discussion
Vegan Tasting Terrace
After a night of thought-provoking presentations, attendees were invited to the Hayek Hospital terrace for a delightful vegan feast.
A wide array of vendors, including Go Nuts - Natural Peanut Butter, SushiCez, Beyond Meat, Switch Foods, Nurishh, Luna's Kitchen, Violife Foods, The Vegan Yogi, jouzourna جذورنا, The Green Butchery by Manal, Shaya kombucha, Dr. Organic Lebanon, Spread It, Kamakan, Om Vegan Chocolate, V-planet, TAQA Snacks on a Mission, Badass Vegan Kitchen, Dino Can Bake, and Lebanese Vegans Food, offered delicious plant-based options, ranging from vegan meats and cheeses to delectable desserts.
This provided a fantastic opportunity for attendees to network and sample the vast and flavorful world of vegan cuisine.
Supporting Organizations
The event received support from organizations committed to promoting a compassionate and eco-friendly lifestyle. Notable supporters included: Better'fly Lebanon Digital Marketing Agency, Choose Compassion, Anonymous for the Voiceless, Middle East Vegan Society, and the Lebanese Vegans Social Hub, all played a vital role in making it possible.
As the sun set over the terrace, the “Why Vegan Conference - 2024 Edition” served as a testament to the growing interest in veganism in Lebanon. With its focus on education, inspiration, and delicious food, the event undoubtedly left a lasting impression on its attendees, encouraging them to explore a more compassionate and sustainable way of life.