United Nations to increase sustainable development programs in Lebanon

BEIRUT — In an effort to pull Lebanon out of its prolonged economic crisis and increase its credibility with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati signed an agreement with Deputy U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Najat Ruchdi.

The agreement included forming a framework for sustainable development in Lebanon for the period between 2020 and 2025.

Mikati stated that the agreement provides a glimmer of hope that much needed reforms would be carried out.

“The reforms constituted an urgent Lebanese demand, before being an international demand,” he added.

Mikati indicated that this step is the result of efforts taken by the government and the United Nations to develop a new approach for partnership programs.

“The U.N. emergency programs constituted a necessary stage to confront basic challenges,” he elaborated, hoping that sustainable development would be achieved in full cooperation with parliament and all governmental and private bodies.