Resident Coordinator's Opening Speech at the Launch of the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) Food Insecurity Analysis

Your Excellency, the Minister of Agriculture in Lebanon, Mr. Abbas Hajj Hasan,

Your Excellencies,

Esteemed members of the media, partners, and colleagues, 

Thank you for joining us today to mark the launch of the first-ever Integrated Phase Classification Food Insecurity Analysis conducted in Lebanon.

This study is a milestone in determining the severity and magnitude of acute food insecurity for Lebanese residents and Syrian refugees.

The IPC results provide rigorous, evidence and consensus-based analysis of food insecurity which are crucial in informing emergency responses as well as medium- and long-term policy and programming. What is even more important, is that this is not a one-off. The IPC analysis is a continuous process, where the classification of acute food insecurity will be updated regularly based on the most recent evidence and information. The next round of analysis is in fact expected to take place in April/May.

As we speak, it is projected that 2.26 million people in Lebanon are food insecure. We speak of food insecurity but what is truly meant by this is that nearly a third of the country lacks reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their needs for a healthy life.

This is of grave concern, as food insecurity is not just a problem for those who are directly affected by it. Food insecurity has far-reaching consequences. Consequences that Lebanon cannot afford.

The IPC results today indicate high levels of food insecurity for both Lebanese residents and Syrian refugees as a result of a continuously deteriorating economic situation and increased inflation.

We continue to join hands with partners and government entities to take a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of food insecurity and builds resilience in Lebanon’s food system.

In a number of field visits I have just undertaken, it became abundantly clear that investing in Lebanon’s agricultural sector, providing farmers and businesses with needed support, and ensuring that food is available to those who need it most, is now more important than ever in Lebanon.

I urge all of us who can influence the way ahead to heed the results and facts of this groundbreaking analysis and unite behind these facts to take action toward addressing food insecurity in Lebanon.

Thank you.