Resident Coordinator’s Remarks at Closing event of “Improving Planning Capacities for Social and Economic Local Development” project

Your Excellency Mr. Hector Al-Hajjar, Minister of Social Affairs 

Ms. Alessandra Piermattei, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation 

Ms. Taina Christiansen, Head of UN-Habitat in Lebanon

Mayors and representatives of Unions of Municipalities and Municipalities

Esteemed members of the media, partners, and colleagues, 

Good morning to all, 

It is an honor to be here today to celebrate the closure of the project “Improving Planning Capacities for Social and Economic Local Development”. 

This project stands as a powerful example of what we can achieve when we join forces to enhance the socio-economic development of local communities in Lebanon. And given Lebanon’s current multifaceted crisis, the need for local socio-economic development is more critical than ever. 

I am pleased to see how this project has contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, offering tangible recommendations to stabilize targeted regions and help them navigate and recover from the current socio-economic challenges, amid the ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Local authorities, including unions of municipalities across Lebanon, are bearing the brunt of the financial ramifications of the current socio-economic crisis, leaving many unable to manage their day-to-day activities let alone embark on new projects. Hearing about their dedication to this project and their passionate pursuit of a better future for their communities has been truly inspiring. 

From Joumeh in the north to Iqlim El-Tuffah in the south, ten unique unions embarked on this transformative journey. They worked with UN-Habitat and social development centers to delve deep, and assess their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to jointly identify strategic directions towards local socio-economic development. They envisioned a future where essential services are accessible for all, infrastructure is expanded, and livelihoods thrive, all driven by the people who understand their communities’ needs the most.

With the collaboration of ministries and funding partners, the implementation of interventions in line with the unions’ strategic directions, identified throughout this process, can be undoubtedly achieved.

However, for the unions of municipalities of Iqlim El-Tuffah and Caza Jezzine especially, your current reality is particularly changing. Faced with sporadic attacks and the displacement of your communities, you are wholeheartedly working to ensure the safety and well-being of your communities through humanitarian response efforts. 

In these trying times for Lebanon, the UN stands firmly with you in solidarity. We are committed to working alongside you to support the more than 86,000 displaced people across the country, providing them with the assistance they urgently need. The UN also deeply mourns the lives lost in hostilities and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and communities. 

While local socio-economic development may not be a priority now, we hope that the experience gained from this project will be a valuable asset in your future endeavors.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

When working towards local socio-economic development, we must look beyond mere numbers and plans. Our focus should be on empowering communities, investing in their human capital, enhancing their infrastructure, and unlocking their agricultural and tourism potential. It's about fostering sustainable, locally-driven solutions, rooted in the knowledge and expertise of local communities. These solutions can offer valuable insights and best practices, paving the way for future reforms that embrace a bottom-up approach. 

Such reforms, supported by both human and financial resources, will enable unions of municipalities to spearhead the socio-economic progress of their communities and inform ministries in tailoring their action plans to local needs and results. 

In closing, I extend my deepest thanks to the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation for their unwavering support throughout this project. Their commitment to Lebanon's development extends far beyond this initiative, covering an array of humanitarian and development efforts across Lebanon. 

My gratitude also goes to the Ministry of Social Affairs and local authorities for their active participation and collaboration, and here I would like to emphasize the vital role you play in driving the nation's socio-economic recovery and building a brighter future for all.

Looking ahead, we hope that the project's outcomes will serve as a springboard for the overall improvement of socioeconomic conditions across the country.

Thank you.