It's normal for people to make New Year's resolutions, and also acceptable for brands and businesses to set goals and resolutions for the coming year, but have you heard of a country make a resolution? We haven't either, at least not in Lebanon. While we're not holding our breath for anything on this list to actually happen, these are several things we'd like to see change in Lebanon in 2019.
Politics
We'd love for politicians to hear us out and pay us at least a bit more attention. It would also be great if people stopped electing the leaders they can't stand based solely on empty promises.
Traffic and public transportation
We can all agree traffic congestion is a major issue that we're not able to avoid easily. Almost every house has multiple cars and they are just multiplying daily, contributing to more accidents, traffic, and road rage. One way to avoid driving is hailing a cab or using some other form of public transportation. However, it's not always pocket friendly or safe. Can we make carpooling cool again and find something to do about the tedious motorcycles that like to squeeze between cars when drivers least expect it?
Roads and potholes
Speaking of traffic, must we destroy our cars every time we embark on a road trip?
Employment and employee wages
Ask just about anyone in Lebanon in their 20s and most of them will tell you they're making something between $700 and $1200, if they're lucky enough to find a job in the first place. Most employees slave away at a desk all day, five days a week, just to barely pay off their expenses at the end of the month. And trying to run errands and pay those expenses off is nearly impossible considering a majority of people in Lebanon are overworked and underpaid.
The economy
A staggering 2,200 companies closed in Lebanon in 2018. Need we say more?
Electricity & Internet
It's 2019! Some of the poorest third world countries have Internet and electricity 24/7. What is Lebanon missing? The power shortages, cuts, and slow Internet really put a damper on our day. We shouldn't have to reconnect to a call with a CEO in Dubai because our power cut AGAIN. And when it does and we're forced to switch on the power generators, we shouldn't have to suffocate with the polluted air. Which brings us to lower pollution levels.
Health
Clean air, fresh water, healthy and organic food options, as well as easier ways and encouragement to recycle are all something we lack in Lebanon. We can definitely do without seeing expired FMCGs on shelves in supermarkets.
Fairness to all
If you don't have a "wasta", and are not an influencer, celebrity, or politician, you should still be treated equally.
More events and activities
We'd love to see more events in Lebanon that include kid-friendly and family-friendly options. Yes, we may be proud of our envious party scene, but there should be a wider variety of things to do on a day out.
Most importantly, we'd like to see progress and a general step in the right direction toward a brighter future.
What would you like to see change in Lebanon this year? Share with us your thoughts in the comments.
