About Biladi

The people behind the mission

Founded in 2005 by journalists, archaeologists, filmmakers and educators who believed Lebanon's cultural heritage deserved dedicated, professional protection.

Founding members
Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly
Founder - Manager

Archaeologist, journalist and educator. Holds advanced degrees in archaeology and journalism. Has dedicated her career to protecting cultural heritage in Lebanon and Iraq through leading publications and lectures at top U.S. universities. As an educator, she promotes the idea that "learning history is fun."

Philip Bajjaly
Filmmaker & Multimedia Lead

Filmmaker focused on human development, social issues, and heritage preservation across Lebanon and the Arab world. His documentaries — Casualty of War, Home, and Someone Like Me — have been broadcast on Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya. At Biladi, he directs the multimedia section.

Salim Mouawad
Conflict Management & Peacebuilding

Independent consultant in conflict management and peacebuilding. Empowers marginalized Arab youth through democratic education at Lebanon's Sustainable Democracy Center. Has also worked in Africa's Great Lakes region with War Child.

Suzanne Baaklini
Journalist & Environmental Specialist

Journalist at L'Orient-Le Jour since 1997, specializing in social and environmental issues. Has written extensively on Lebanon's endangered natural heritage, trained in environmental journalism with international institutions, and regularly covers UN Climate Change summits. M.A. in French literature, Saint Joseph University.

Dr. Georgette Farchakh Frangieh
PhD in Translation Studies

Head of the Translation Department at the Lebanese University. Experienced translator, researcher, and lecturer with international publications and conference contributions.

Board of directors
Founder - Manager of Biladi
Financial Officer
Academic Supervisor 
Vice president 
Head of communication