Opening Remarks by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza at the Closing Workshop of CAFI Project Evaluation

Good morning colleagues, and thank you for joining today.

Let me start by recognizing the central role of women-led organizations in Lebanon’s response. 

In this regard, CAFI has helped build a strong national women-led organization network, strengthened capacities, and brought WLOs into co-leadership of GBV coordination. A real model for locally led action.

We are meeting today at a difficult time for Lebanon. 

Although the 2024 conflict ended nearly a year ago, needs remain high and recovery remains slow. Thousands of families are still displaced, services are overstretched, and the impact on women and girls is especially severe. Risks of gender-based violence, early marriage, and barriers to essential services remain high. Economic pressures and social norms continue to restrict mobility, opportunity, and safety for many women and girls. This is precisely why a strong, empowered network of women-led organizations is essential.

As we look ahead under the Humanitarian Reset, I want to stress three priorities:

• First, women and girls must be at the center of everything we do. Their safety, dignity, and leadership are not optional,  they shape our collective work. This is why GBV prevention, mitigation, and response remain critical priorities for me and for the HCT. Even in a difficult funding environment, we cannot afford to lose the progress we have made. Women-led organizations are providing essential frontline services and safe spaces, and they must be adequately resourced to sustain this role.
• Second, we must bring decision-making and resources closer to communities. Localization is most meaningful when it empowers local actors. Our aim is to enhance the share and impact of LHF support going to local organizations.

Over the period 2023–2025, the LHF has allocated a total of USD 7.4 million — representing approximately 6.3% of the overall USD 117 million allocated — to women-led organizations, supporting six national partners. This reflects the LHF’s continued commitment to strengthening women’s leadership and ensuring that national actors play a central role in the humanitarian response. There are currently three National NGO representatives on the advisory board – including 2 from Women-Led Organizations. 

• Third, our collective action must remain accountable, coordinated, and impactful. Safeguarding and accountability are central to our credibility, and this is exactly where women-led organizations play a key role. Their deep understanding of communities, risks, and protection dynamics makes them indispensable partners.

This workshop is a space for reflection, but also for shaping what comes next. I encourage open dialogue on how we advance gender-responsive localization, how we strengthen WLO leadership in coordination structures, and how we collectively advocate for the resources needed.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts today and working together.

Thank you.