Starbucks partners with AFDC to empower youth through training

to help them become leaders of a greener tomorrow

Beirut, Lebanon, May 26 2011 -Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) has partnered with the Association for Forests Development and Conservation (AFDC) to launch the AFDC-Starbucks Green Leadership Academy, a 3-year project, which aims at empowering tomorrow's young leaders through environmental awareness training programs on sustainable green environment.   The announcement was made at an inauguration ceremony held at Starbucks Hamra coffee shop on May 26, 2011. The ceremony was attended by UNDP officials and representatives from Beirut Municipality, Starbucks and AFDC management, university students, environmental activists, and members of the media. 

 The Green Leadership Academy is in line with Starbucks' Shared Planet program and the company's global commitment to support the environment and empower youth to help them become leaders of a greener future. Twenty Five students and young professionals from Lebanon between the ages of 20 and 30 will participate in the Green Leadership Academy project. This representative group of tomorrow's leaders will represent all regions and backgrounds in Lebanon, as well as universities, technical schools, and companies. Participants will have to commit to a period of 6 months during which they will attend weekly environmental lectures, followed by a 2-day intensive workshop, and engage in 'a give back to the community' project before submitting their concepts.

The Academy offers a unique opportunity for participants to broaden their knowledge and perspectives on environmental and natural resources, policies, management, and leadership skills. It takes them on an intense learning journey through sessions on innovative sustainability given by notable speakers in different fields such as Mr. Nizar Hani, Cedar Shouf Reserve Director, Ms. Cathy Tyan, Chief Editor of World Environment TV and Magazine, and Mr. Wael Hmaidan, Executive Director of IndyAct among other distinguished speakers.   

Rana Shaheen, Regional Communications & CSR Manager, for Starbucks MENA said:

 "The AFDC-Starbucks Green Leadership Academy will provide the skills to inspire environmental change, by training dedicated green enthusiasts to become leaders in the green development of Lebanon. Starbucks commitment to inspire change and AFDC's dedication to a greener environment creates a unique opportunity for Lebanese youth."

"We are committed to contributing to every community we are present in, particularly when it comes to supporting the environment and youth initiatives," Ms. Shaheen added.

Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine, Director General of the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC) said:

 "The Green Leadership Academy is a joint partnership pioneer project between the civil society (AFDC) and the private sector (Starbucks) that aims to equip a representative sample of youth to become the leaders of tomorrow to better fill their roles in their Lebanese society, mainly in protecting, conserving and developing their environment for the future generations".

Mrs. Bou Fakhreddine stressed that the youth need to be the foundation stones and roots to lead and develop their resources for the service of their communities.

To read more about the AFDC-Starbucks Green Leadership Academy or to apply online, visit www.stabucksme.com or www.afdc.org.lb  

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About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com

About AFDC
The Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC) was established in 1993 to achieve sustainable conservation of natural resources, raise awareness and build capacities to contribute to the national efforts for better environmental management. Fundamental to AFDC's mission is the pursuit of community-based conservation for the sustainable livelihoods of people. This comes from the idea that conservation will fail if local communities do not benefit from it. AFDC works at a national level in more than 15 different locations in North, South and Mount Lebanon through volunteer units of up to 500 volunteers. AFDC can be reached at www.afdc.org.lb

© Press Release 2011