Resident Coordinator's Remarks at the UN Global Compact Network Lebanon' event in times of crisis

Your Excellency Minister of Environment, Dr. Nasser Yassine,

Distinguished participants,

Good afternoon, 

I am happy to be here with you today at this important event.

We are halfway to 2030, and the multiple crises over the last four years have dealt a major blow to the achievement of SDGs in Lebanon. 

As we stand today, Lebanon will not be able to reach important progress in development. Real change will come only if we prioritize key areas with significant spillover effects.

Today’s meeting is very timely… just a few days ahead of the High-Level Political Forum on the SDGs and a couple of months away from the SDGs Summit that will mark the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress towards the SDGs.

In a country that possesses one of the most dynamic private sectors in the MENA region, the value that Businesses can bring is indispensable and must not be taken lightly anymore as they can tip the scale in the overall recovery and development trajectory in Lebanon. 

There is significant potential for the private sector to play a more active role to deliver on the 2030 Agenda. And the way businesses operate has a major impact not only on ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth but also on building a greener and cleaner environment, respect for human rights, social protection, and equality. The UN Global Compact Network provides an excellent entry point to tap into adequate resources for sustainable business solutions and ideas to help overcome the country’s challenges.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A key avenue for Lebanon to come out of the current crisis and to generate economic growth will be to work on sectors and value chains that involve trade and exports and direct foreign investment. To be able to attract capital and enter new markets, having environmental and social safeguards in place is essential.

Amidst the current challenges in Lebanon, prioritizing environmental sustainability is crucial for both the short-term and the long-term. Investing in sustainable practices, including waste, energy, and environment fosters economic stability, social well-being, and a healthier future for all. 

Globally, businesses have proven to be key agents of change. For example, they can enable the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies, sustainable supply chains, and responsible practices that optimize resource efficiency, reduce pollution, and promote a circular economy. At the same time, an enabling business environment where profits can be made, taxes and social security charges are paid, and where workers have rights and a voice, can help accelerate progress toward many of the SDGs. 

However, this does not diminish the role of the government and the need for robust public institutions. They play a crucial role in providing a stable environment for businesses to operate, enact and enforce fair regulations, and to ensure the benefits of economic growth are widely shared. 

Hence, the strengthening of a business ecosystem should ideally go hand in hand with efforts to enhance governance and public sector capacity. 

Distinguished participants,

The crisis in Lebanon today provides an opportunity to build back better. This is where the private sector along with the Government, the UN, and other stakeholders need to step in. The level of transformation we need requires us to acknowledge that everyone is an important player to accelerate progress toward the SDGs. 

Lebanon needs our collective commitment to ensure a sustainable recovery. A recovery that is achieved through innovation, a renewed commitment to SDGs, and local solutions from the grassroots level. 

In short, we don’t have much time and we must be more ambitious to match the scope of the challenges ahead. 

We must make the next seven years count. We can still turn things around in Lebanon, if -and only if- we work closely together and keep social and environmental sustainability at the core of our work.

Today, I am eager to hear directly from you on how we can scale up our joint efforts to get the SDGs back on track and achieve positive change in Lebanon. 

Thank you.