Beirut, Lebanon – November 8, 2024: At the conclusion of the brief visit to Lebanon of the Director for its Regional Bureau for Arab States, Abdallah Al Dardari, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reaffirmed its commitment to helping the people of Lebanon through the current crisis—strengthening its continued support to government-led immediate crisis response efforts during the emergency phase and longer-term recovery.

Al Dardari discussed with Prime Minister Najib Mikati support to strategies and plans for recovery from the current crisis, which has exacerbated longstanding challenges in Lebanon. During Al Dardari’s visit to the Grand Serail, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, Blerta Aliko signed an agreement with the presidency of the council of ministers to enhance policy coherence, aid coordination, and integrity, and to support national institutions in priority settings for the recovery and development agenda. The agreement outlines priority areas of collaboration between UNDP and the government, including reactivation of core government functions, advancing public administration reform, and ultimately supporting efforts of the government to articulate a new social contract.

Al Dardari also discussed with the Prime Minister urgent support needs to bolster ongoing crisis response efforts, which he deliberated in more detail in subsequent meetings with Dr. Nasser Yassin, Minister of Environment and Coordinator of the Government Emergency Committee, and Major General Mohammad al-Mustafa, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Defense, who accompanied him on a visit to the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Operations Room. Providing technical and operational support to the National Disaster and Response Coordination Committee and the Government Emergency Committee, the DRM Unit at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers has been central to the Lebanese government’s ongoing response to the current war and the massive displacement it has precipitated.  

"UNDP’s partnership and support have been invaluable during this difficult period for Lebanon, particularly in strengthening our disaster management capabilities and coordinating efforts across the central level and local units at the governorate level,” asserted Minister Yassine. “We are also collaborating with UNDP on preparing for the post-war phase by developing a roadmap for early recovery, focusing on supporting national institutions in rebuilding Lebanon and ensuring we’re ready to meet the immense challenges ahead."  

Technically supported by UNDP, alongside other partners, the DRM Unit develops digital tools and technologies to improve decision-making and ensure a coordinated response. It provides information to response agencies, government counterparts, and the public through daily situation reports, social media content, and guidance documents. It also supports response efforts at the local level, strengthening operation rooms in affected Governorates by deploying personnel, procuring essential equipment, and assisting with overall operations. Additionally, it plays a key role in coordination between the Government of Lebanon and the United Nations, facilitating contingency planning, and providing data on international aid to support effective crisis management.

“Building on our longstanding partnership with Lebanon, UNDP is committed to support national disaster management capabilities at this critical immediate response phase, while also helping the Lebanese Government to prepare for the post-ceasefire phase,” emphasized Al Dardari.  “We are working closely with our Lebanese partners to support evidence-based recovery planning, to secure resources and funding for implementation, and to enhance capacities of governmental and local institutions and the private sector to ensure that the immediate response and long-term recovery from this crisis are effective and inclusive of all in Lebanon.”  

A recent rapid appraisal by UNDP assessing the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the conflict, indicated that Lebanon’s economy may contract by more than 9.2% in 2024—presenting a significant challenge that will require tailored policy responses to mitigate. 

Media Contact: 

In UNDP – Lebanon    | Maryam Sweid‎ | maryam.sweid@undp.org | +961 ‎(71) 366 212‎
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UNDP is working in Lebanon since 1986 as a development partner supporting economic recovery, including working with municipalities to deliver basic services to host communities, promoting clean energy and solid waste management, strengthening governance and rule of law, providing support to elections, and working on empowering women and youth.