A Vision for National Progress
Mr. Rafik Hariri believed that lasting national progress begins with investment in people. Throughout his life, he championed education, institution-building, and social development as essential foundations for a stronger and more resilient Lebanon. Born in Sidon in 1944, Mr. Hariri pursued his studies in Lebanon before continuing his professional journey abroad. His early achievements reflected ambition, discipline, and long-term thinking that would later shape his broader commitment to public service and national development.
As Prime Minister of Lebanon, he contributed to a period of reconstruction and renewal that sought to restore confidence in the country’s future and strengthen Lebanon’s position on the international stage. Beyond public office, however, his enduring impact lies in the educational, social, and institutional foundations that continue to serve generations today.
Education at the Heart of the Nation
For Mr. Hariri, education was never viewed simply as privilege, but as a responsibility and a pathway toward national advancement. During periods of uncertainty in Lebanon, he placed particular importance on ensuring that young people continued to have access to learning, growth, and opportunity. This commitment led to the establishment of the Rafik Hariri Foundation in Beirut in 1979. Through scholarships, institutional initiatives, and long-term educational support, tens of thousands of Lebanese students were able to pursue higher education in Lebanon and abroad across a wide range of academic disciplines.
As these initiatives expanded, educational support offices were established both within Lebanon and internationally, including in Saida, the United States, and Canada, to assist students throughout their academic journeys and strengthen access to higher education opportunities abroad. At the center of this effort remained the Foundation in Beirut and its commitment to academic excellence, accessibility, and long-term social impact. Today, this mission continues through the Foundation’s educational institutions, including Lycée Abdel Kader, Hariri High School II, Hariri High School III, and Rafik Hariri University.
Expanding Humanitarian and Social Impact
Alongside its educational mission, the Foundation expanded its efforts across healthcare, social support, and community initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and strengthening social resilience. These initiatives reflected a broader philosophy centered on opportunity, responsibility, and human development.
Mr. Hariri’s contributions to public life and national development received international recognition through honorary distinctions and global awards, including the Grand Croix de la Légion d’Honneur awarded by France and the United Nations Special Award for Reconstruction, acknowledging his role in education, reconstruction, and humanitarian advancement.
A Legacy Carried Forward
What began as a commitment to education, opportunity, and national development continues today through the institutions, initiatives, and generations shaped by Mr. Hariri’s lifelong dedication to Lebanon and its people. Alongside him throughout this journey was Mrs. Nazik Rafik Hariri, who shared and supported this mission through decades of engagement in education, healthcare, and humanitarian work. Together, they helped establish institutions centered on investing in people, strengthening institutions, and supporting future generations. Today, the Rafik Hariri Foundation continues to carry this legacy forward across its schools, university, healthcare initiatives, and community programs, preserving a mission grounded in knowledge, responsibility, and long-term national impact.
Distinctions, Medals and Awards
In recognition of his great achievements and excellence, Mr. Rafik Hariri was awarded numerous medals and awards, mostly in his lifetime as well as following his passing.
Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur
Chevalier of the Italian Republic
Cedar National Medal / Rank of Commander
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Medal
Save the Children 50th Anniversary Award
Medal of King Faysal
Médaille de la Ville de Paris
Golden Key of Beirut City
Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres
Officier de la Légion d'Honneur
Doctor Honoris Causa of Boston University
Docteur Honoris Causa de l'Université de Nice
Doctor Honoris Causa of the Arab University of Beirut
Golden Key of São Paolo City / Brazil
Medal of the Liberator of Argentina – General José St. Martin
Prix Louise Michel
Doctor Honoris Causa of Georgetown University
Grande Croix de la Légion d'Honneur
The Grand Cordon
Order of Diplomatic Service Merit Grand Gwang Hwa Medal
Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Ottawa
Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Montreal
Le Grand Collier du Trône
Knight Grand Cross
Al Nahda Medal, First Category – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Medal of Honor – Arab Union of Veterans Associations
Star of Romania at the rank of The Grand Cross
Union Medal – Republic of Yemen
Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters – Lebanese American University
Orient Doctorate Degree – Moscow State Institute for International Relations
UN-HABITAT Scroll of Honor – Special Citation for Post Conflict Reconstruction
King Faysal International Award for Serving Islam
Tipperary International Peace Award