When food becomes a lifeline | Keynote by Aline Kamakian

A keynote by Aline Kamakian, Lebanese-Armenian restaurateur, chef and humanitarian whose work brings together food and heritage. Aline Kamakian is a Lebanese-Armenian entrepreneur, restaurateur, chef, and humanitarian whose work brings together food, heritage, and community. In 2003, she founded Mayrig in Beirut to preserve and share the Armenian recipes passed down through her family, later expanding the concept internationally. Following the Beirut Port Explosion, food became an even greater part of her mission. As a Chef Corps member and Lebanon Response Lead for World Central Kitchen, and through Sawablessed NGO, she has led humanitarian food efforts supporting communities affected by crisis and displacement. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: a shared meal can preserve culture, restore dignity, and bring people together: the very spirit of Khubz ou Milh.. Aline Kamakian Bio Aline Kamakian is the CEO and Co-Founder of FIG Holding and Owner & General Manager of IIC sarl, Beirut, Lebanon. Aline began her professional journey at just 18 years old as an insurance broker, financing her own university education. She graduated from Université Saint Joseph with a double Master’s degree in Finance and Marketing. Her entrepreneurial drive led her to build IIC (Insurance & Investment Consultants) into one of Lebanon’s top brokerage firms. Yet, beyond finance, Aline’s true calling was always rooted in food and in her Armenian heritage. In June 2003, she founded Mayrig, an avant-garde Armenian restaurant that reintroduced the forgotten flavors of Mother Armenia to Lebanon and beyond. Mayrig quickly became synonymous with refined Armenian cuisine and heartfelt hospitality.