The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati clarified, in a speech during the launch of the joint committee to implement the United Nations Framework in Lebanon 2023-2025, that "Lebanon is currently facing many challenges, including restructuring and designing the economic model, taking into account the current economic context, the collapse of the exchange rate, the removal of subsidies, the troubled social reality, and inappropriate policies regarding infrastructure support and brain drain." He indicated that "from here, we have developed, through this 'joint framework,' a new concept for emergency development aimed at clearly identifying the needs of the Lebanese to return to a path of sound development. The priority of this meeting is to ensure technical and developmental support to get Lebanon back on the road to recovery. After consultations and intensive meetings among relevant Lebanese ministries and United Nations organizations, we have outlined priorities that will guide us back to a path of sustainable development and economic and social recovery. Today, we look forward to hearing the opinions of those present regarding the agreed-upon priorities that align with the government's work for the current year, as well as the views and observations of the ministers with us regarding these priorities."
Miqati mentioned: "Indeed, the limited resources available to the state significantly restrict our capabilities to meet many of the needs of the Lebanese people. However, we do not hesitate to exert our utmost efforts to alleviate the repercussions of the crisis on the Lebanese people. Yet, since there can be no sustainable development without political stability, we call once again on all leaders, officials, and stakeholders to cease the approach of obstruction and unfounded political accusations, which have no place in the daily lives of the people enduring their pain. Let this be a starting signal for the agreement of the honorable deputies to elect a new president for Lebanon, thus placing it back on the track of recovery and advancement, and activating the required reform efforts to move forward with the final agreement with the International Monetary Fund."
He expressed gratitude once again to the United Nations, especially to the Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Omran Riza, for the significant effort made to support Lebanon during this very difficult phase. He emphasized that what unites us today is the transparent partnership between the Lebanese government and the United Nations family in Lebanon and donors to serve the public interest and ensure the rights of Lebanese citizens, particularly since one of the priorities of the "United Nations Framework" is to improve the lives of all citizens, establish comprehensive social protection systems, ensure access to basic services, and enhance safe spaces for marginalized groups.
