United Nations

“Engaging the world through faith, peace, and noble service.”

Global Engagement Through Diplomacy

The Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan plays an active diplomatic role in the global community as a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting peace, fostering cultural diplomacy, facilitating interfaith dialogue, and advocating for humanitarian causes. Although the House is non-political and non-territorial, it participates meaningfully in international affairs by:

  • Representing Arab Christian heritage and minority voices

  • Advocating for humanitarian solutions in conflict-affected regions

  • Building partnerships with UN member states, NGOs, and interfaith groups

  • Supporting development and relief efforts in the Middle East and beyond

United Nations Accreditation

The Royal House of Ghassan is proud to hold Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)—one of the highest forms of NGO recognition within the UN system.

This consultative status allows the Royal House to:

  • Submit written and oral statements at UN meetings

  • Participate in conferences, commissions, and side events

  • Collaborate on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Serve as a platform for underrepresented communities

Our consultative role affirms the House’s mission to promote human dignity, religious freedom, cultural preservation, and non-violent solutions in alignment with international norms.

Legal Recognition in Lebanon

The diplomatic and cultural standing of the Royal House is grounded in its official legal recognition by the Republic of Lebanon through Presidential Decree No. 5800/2019. This recognition:

  • Affirms the House’s status as a historical dynastic institution

  • Confirms the rights of the Head of House and its lawful representation

  • Endorses its charitable, cultural, and educational efforts

  • Legitimizes its diplomatic engagement across Arab and global contexts

Interfaith and Cultural Diplomacy

As descendants of the Christian Arab Ghassanid Dynasty, the House is uniquely positioned to promote peace between East and West, and among the Abrahamic faiths. Through strategic cultural diplomacy, it fosters:

  • Dialogue between Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders

  • Protection of Middle Eastern Christian heritage

  • Cultural preservation initiatives in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine

  • Cooperation with churches, patriarchates, and faith-based NGOs

The House regularly collaborates with:

  • The Maronite and Melkite Patriarchates

  • Orthodox and Roman Catholic orders

  • Academic and religious institutions across Europe and the Americas

International Representation

The House maintains a network of Special Envoys and Ambassadors-at-Large, each tasked with representing the House to governments, international bodies, and humanitarian institutions. These envoys serve as:

  • Cultural liaisons for diaspora communities

  • Diplomats for intergovernmental cooperation

  • Coordinators of charitable projects in their respective regions

All envoys are appointed by the Sovereign Head, upon the advice of the Grand Chancellery, and act under strict codes of ethical conduct.

Working with Governments and Organizations

Governments and organizations may request cooperation or initiate formal relations by contacting the Protocol Office of the Grand Chancellery. Areas of mutual engagement include:

  • Peace and reconciliation efforts

  • Cultural exchange programs

  • Minority rights advocacy

  • Sustainable development partnerships

  • Protection of heritage and religious sites

The Royal House operates in full alignment with the UN Charter, the codes of conduct of international NGOs, and the domestic laws of Lebanon and other cooperating states.

Featured Participation

Past and current engagements include:

  • Oral statements before the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ)

  • Interventions at the Human Rights Council and UN Alliance of Civilizations forums

  • Faith-based development cooperation with humanitarian coalitions in Lebanon and Syria

  • Advocacy on behalf of endangered Christian minorities and stateless communities

Diplomatic Contact

For formal correspondence, official invitations, or diplomatic outreach, please contact the Grand Chancellery of the Royal House of Ghassan.