NNA - The UNICEF Beirut office convened its annual meeting at the Grand Serail to assess the projects and programs completed in partnership with nine ministries and four governmental institutions. The meeting, attended by the Advisor for Planning and Coordination between Ministries and UNICEF at the Prime Minister's Office, Hiba Nashabe, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Edouard Beigbeder, and Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Judge Mahmoud Makieh, along with representatives from various UN organizations in Lebanon, ministries of public health, finance, youth and sports, education and higher education, justice, social affairs, labor, interior and municipalities, environment, energy and water, information, foreign affairs and expatriates, "Bassel Fleihan Institute," and the Central Administration of Statistics.
The meeting featured presentations by ministry representatives summarizing various achievements, activities, and joint projects between the ministries and UNICEF. They also discussed the challenges faced and progress made in 2023 through their collaboration with UNICEF.
In his address at the annual review meeting, Frederic Beigbeder, representing UNICEF, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration with the Lebanese government amidst ongoing crises. Beigbeder commenced his speech by expressing gratitude for the enduring partnership with Lebanon's government, stating, "It is a great honour to join you once again this year, at this annual review meeting, a testament to our shared commitment and long-term partnership with the Government of Lebanon."
Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, Beigbeder highlighted the impact of economic and political crises on the Lebanese populace, compounded by the near full dollarization of the economy. He further addressed the escalation of tensions in October 2023, resulting in a war in the southern region of Lebanon, displacing over 80,000 individuals, including more than 30,000 children.
“In response to the crisis, UNICEF intensified its efforts, focusing on education, health, nutrition, child protection, water, sanitation, social protection, and youth development. Beigbeder emphasized the necessity for continued united efforts to support recovery and resilience, acknowledging the significant journey ahead in addressing the increasing needs of children, youth, and families in Lebanon. The ratification of Lebanon's 2024 budget, amounting to 3.3 billion USD compared to 700 million USD allocated the previous year, was hailed as a milestone for reform,” Beigbeder said, commending the government's efforts in allocating increased funding for social ministries, essential for mitigating rising social and economic vulnerabilities.
Looking ahead to 2024, Beigbeder stressed the importance of mainstreaming climate change across programs, emphasizing its direct threat to children's rights. He underscored the evolving funding landscape, anticipating a decrease in funding while advocating for strategic planning to ensure program integrity and impactful outcomes.
Beigbeder concluded by expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister's office and all ministries for their dedication and partnership with UNICEF, urging collective action to secure the future and well-being of the children they serve. He stated, "Together, we can, and we will make a difference."
In turn, Nashabe addressed the attendees, emphasizing Lebanon's enduring economic and financial crisis exacerbated by the presence of over 1.5 million Syrian refugees and 300,000 Palestinian refugees, alongside continuous Zionist aggression in the south.
Despite these challenges, Nashabe highlighted Lebanon's resilience with support from regional and international friends, including UNICEF, underscoring the irreplaceable role of the Lebanese state in managing its affairs.
In his remarks, Makieh commended the Lebanese state's efforts, especially President Najib Mikati, for their commitment to serve their people sincerely.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration and support for Lebanon's children and families, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in addressing the country's pressing needs and challenges.
===========R.H.
