On 13 October, UN Special Coordinator Joanna Wronecka hosted a discussion with prominent Lebanese intellectuals and senior academics to listen to their views on how to steer Lebanon out of its crisis and towards a more sustainable future for its citizens. Underlining the role that intellectuals and academics can play in influencing government policies and public opinion, the discussions focused on the immediate reform priorities for Lebanon, how to develop strong and independent state institutions that serve the people and how to make sure Lebanon benefits from the potential of all its citizens. Special attention was given during the discussions on the need to combat hate speech that can inflame tensions.