BEIRUT, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri sponsored here Tuesday the launch of "The North Pole Expedition, A Journey for Humanity," local media reported.
Michael Haddad, the nationally-known professional athlete paralyzed from the chest down, is embarking on this adventure.
Haddad is setting his sights on the North Pole to raise awareness of Arctic melt due to global warming.
Hariri addressed Haddad personally in a speech at the launch, saying "you inspire me today with the many, many challenges I face. "
Haddad holds three world records in extreme walking and climbing, from trekking 60,000 steps in the mountains of Lebanon to climbing the iconic Raouche Rock.
Each of his expeditions has sought to generate awareness about an aspect of climate change, including water pollution and deforestation.
Philippe Lazzarini, UNDP Resident Representative, called Haddad's project "inspirational" for the United Nations.
