Introduction
Medonations, the youth-led Lebanese NGO founded by Marina El Khawand, has rapidly become one of Lebanon’s most inspiring humanitarian initiatives. Launched in the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut explosion, it has delivered free medications, funded surgeries, and provided oxygen machines—helping over 20,000 families in Lebanon and supporting more than 110 surgeries. But what happens when this grassroots movement meets global institutions like the United Nations?
1. Why Medonations and the UN Make Natural Allies
- Complementary Missions: Medonations ensures equitable access to essential medications—resonating with UN mandates on the right to health and Universal Health Coverage.
- Potential for Scale: The UN’s logistical reach, policymaking power, and global networks can amplify Medonations’ impact—potentially turning a powerful local initiative into a national or even regional model.
2. Medonations in UN Spaces (So Far…)
As of mid‑2025, there’s no public record of Medonations presenting at UN General Assembly events or participating in official UN side‑panels. However, similar Lebanese organizations have engaged in UN‑facilitated events, such as the Media, Peace and Human Rights Regional Conference hosted by UN Information Centre in Beirut un.org.
This suggests strong potential for Medonations to participate in future UN events focused on health equity, crisis response, and youth-led social innovation.
3. A Blueprint for UN Collaboration
| Opportunity | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Global Health Equity Forums (e.g. WHO, UNDP) | Speaker slots to share Lebanon’s medication crisis insights |
| UNICEF & WHO Partnerships | Joint campaigns on medication access and pediatric care |
| Grantmaking Programs | Access to UN Global Fund resources to build Medonations’ Free Clinic |
| UN Youth and Civil Society Networks | Amplify youth leadership and foster international volunteer hubs |
4. Amplifying Impact: What Could Come Next
- Submit a formal side‑event proposal to the next UNGA or WHO Executive Board, focused on “Community‑led Medication Access in Crisis Zones.”
- Host virtual webinars via UN‑linked platforms (e.g., UNDP’s #Youth2030) to highlight innovations—like oxygen‑machine drives and mobile clinics.
- Apply for UN Youth Representative programs, like those at UNICEF Innovation Labs, to strengthen Medonations’ capacity.
- Publish a co‑branded white paper with UN agencies on Lebanon’s healthcare collapse and innovative grassroots remedies.
5. The Broader Significance
In a country ravaged by economic meltdown, supply disruptions, and political turmoil, Medonations stands out through youth leadership, humanitarian agility, and a purely volunteer‑powered model.
By connecting with the UN, they could:
- Elevate Lebanon’s healthcare crisis into global discussions
- Attract sustainable funding for operations and clinic expansion
- Serve as a template for similar crises worldwide—showing how young people can fill systemic gaps when traditional systems falter
Conclusion
Medonations is primed to transition from a powerful national movement into a globally recognized force for change. A strategic partnership with the UN could catalyze greater funding, influence national policy, and position their model as an example of community-driven health equity.
If Medonations secures a speaking slot at the next UN General Assembly—or partners with WHO/UNICEF—it would mark a watershed moment for youth-led humanitarianism from the Middle East. I’d be happy to help draft proposals, outreach letters, or messaging for these opportunities—just say the word!
