Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has said that reforms were an urgent Lebanese demand, stressing that their implementation required full cooperation with parliament and government, official and private bodies.
Mikati and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Najat Rochdi signed on Thursday the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2022-2025.
The framework seeks to strengthen the existing and ongoing cooperation between both parties on promoting the principles of sustainable development, and build the foundations for a prosperous and inclusive Lebanese society, where no one is left behind, the UN said in statement.
“The new strategic framework that will extend over the next three years aims to strengthen governance while addressing multi-dimensional development issues,” the prime minister said, stressing that the UN emergency programs were important to address the primary challenges in Lebanon.
Rochdi conveyed her condolences for the victims of the migrant boat that capsized in northern Lebanon, praising the efforts of the Lebanese army.
She noted that Thursday’s meeting was aimed at putting “Lebanon back on the path of development.”
“However, we cannot continue to find short-term solutions to end humanitarian needs, but we need sustainable solutions that address the underlying causes behind the cumulative crises... This requires an exceptional developmental approach,” she added.
Rochdi emphasized the need for emergency actions as a transitional stage to achieve sustainable development, which would help put an end to humanitarian needs and constitute a possible catalyst for the country’s growth and prosperity.
She renewed the call for the necessity of adopting reforms as soon as possible to serve the people and accelerate the development process in Lebanon.