Beirut – Committed to supporting a greener Lebanon, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities (MoIM) and the Municipality of Nabay, with the financial support of the European Union, inaugurated a new solar initiative and business center at Nabay Municipality in Matn region.

The Nabay solar project is one of 20 projects that will be implemented across municipalities in Lebanon, with the objective of assisting municipalities in transitioning to more sustainable energy solutions. The solar system in Nabay generates up to 76 kWp, facilitating the continuous operation of municipal facilities and eventually the LED streetlights.

“UNDP is committed to supporting local government and enabling Lebanon’s sustainable transition to solar power. This reliable power source ensures uninterrupted services for the people of Nabay and enhances the safety and quality of life of 4,200 residents during evening hours. Regular maintenance by municipal authorities will be critical to sustaining this solution into the future,” said UNDP Lebanon Acting Resident Representative Mohammed Salih.

A business center was also established at the municipality in response to community needs arising from the current socioeconomic situation - power outages, transportation barriers, and social isolation. Equipped with state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, furniture, accessibility features, and security enhancements, the centre allows youth, students, entrepreneurs, and residents alike to pursue education, business endeavours, and benefit from social interactions.

“Access to reliable energy is essential for local authorities in today’s Lebanon to continue to operate and deliver services to communities. I am happy that, through this project, the Municipality of Nabay is now able to utilize clean energy to power their building and streetlights in the area – enhancing visibility and safety at night. The Business Centre is a great addition that we hope can serve as a space for people to come together to learn, collaborate and exchange,” said Taina Christiansen, Head of the UN-Habitat Lebanon Country Programme.

“The EU is proud to see Municipalities like Nabay engaging into energy transition. This project will ensure a continuity of public service in Nabay and support access for all citizens to internet services to empower them,” said Stefano Panighetti, Programme Manager, Energy and Local Governance, the European Union Delegation to Lebanon.
 

For more information please contact: 

Aline Kiwan, MERP Media and Communication Officer, at aline.kiwan@un.org, mobile 03-294070

Note to editors

About the Municipal Empowerment and Resilience Project (MERP)

MERP is a joint project by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The Project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities (MoIM) and funded by the European Union (EU). The project aims to strengthen the long-term resilience of subnational authorities in Lebanon as well as host communities and displaced persons affected by the Syrian crisis. Learn more about MERP at UNDP website and UN-Habitat website.

About the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

UN-Habitat works in over 90 countries supporting people in cities and human settlements for a better urban future. Working with governments and local partners, its high impact projects combine world-class expertise and local knowledge to deliver timely and targeted solutions. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a dedicated Goal on cities, SDG 11 – to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Learn more at www.unhabitat.org/lebanon or follow us on Twitter at @UNHabitatLB, on Facebook at UN-Habitat Lebanon and on Instagram at UNHabitatLB

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.lb.undp.org or follow on Twitter at @UNDP_Lebanon, on Facebook at UNDP Lebanon and on Instagram at UNDP_Lebanon

About the European Union (EU)

The European Union supports Lebanon’s stability, independence and sovereignty, its prosperity and democratic order. It strives also to help protect its environment and natural resources by supporting sustainable enterprise and development. The European Union is also committed to the promotion and protection of human rights in Lebanon including defending gender equality, children’s rights and freedom of expression. The EU Delegation in Lebanon represents the European Union to the Republic of Lebanon with the objective to maintain and develop mutual beneficial relations. It engages in political, social and economic development activities on behalf of the European Union and based on the most pressing needs of the country of Lebanon.

Learn more on the work of the EU in Lebanon or follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @EUinLebanon