Takreem Foundation Marks 15th Anniversary in Paris with Charity Auction for Lebanese Children

The Takreem Foundation celebrated its 15 years of operations in Paris by hosting an awards event that raised vital funds for its mentorship programme and Afel, a Lebanese non-profit group dedicated to supporting children.

Led by Christie's, the event featured an auction of works by internationally acclaimed artists, including Lebanese painter Nabil Nahas and Syrian-American artist Simone Fattal. According to Takreem, the auction was held both in person and online to allow guests and supporters beyond Paris to contribute to the foundation's philanthropic mission.

Afel – l'Association du Foyer de L'Enfant Libanais – has been supporting vulnerable children and families in Lebanon since 1976. Over five decades, the association has provided protection, education, care, and family support to help more than 10,000 children in difficult circumstances rebuild their lives.

Meanwhile, the Takreem mentorship programme connects emerging young professionals with accomplished leaders, laureates, and members of the foundation's international network, offering guidance and opportunities for personal and professional development.

This year's awards ceremony honored several prominent figures whose achievements have shaped their respective fields. The winners included Patrick Chalhoub from the international luxury industry, CMA CGM Group chief executive Rodolphe Saade, philanthropist Sheikha Paula Al Sabah, and global energy intelligence pioneer Raja Sidawi.

During the gathering, Takreem founder Ricardo Karam called for empathy, solidarity, and a renewed commitment to building bridges across communities and generations. Addressing the audience against a backdrop of global conflict and humanitarian suffering, Mr Karam stated, “We may not be able to stop every war or heal every wound. But we can fight indifference with empathy, confront hatred with love and overcome division by building bridges.”

The anniversary fundraising dinner brought together members of Takreem's international network, including prominent political figures past and present such as former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin and Saudi Council of Ministers adviser Fahd Al Rasheed. Other notable attendees included Lebanese-French TV host Lea Salameh and artist and philanthropist Jean Boghossian.

Since its creation in 2010, the Takreem Foundation has honored exceptional people and institutions from across the Arab world and its diaspora, evolving into a global community that fosters dialogue, collaboration, and humanitarian support.