Beirut, 10 September 2024 – The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), celebrated the successful conclusion of the Municipal Empowerment and Resilience Project (MERP). Funded by more than US$16 million from the EU, the project has helped local authorities in Lebanon strengthen their services and resilience, especially in response to the Syrian crisis and Lebanon's economic struggles.

The event, held under the patronage of H.E. Judge Bassam Mawlawi, Minister of Interior and Municipalities, represented by Ms. Faten Abou Hassan, Director General of Local Administrations and Councils, gathered representatives from municipalities, national institutions, NGOs, and policymakers. The conference focused on the challenges faced by local authorities and explored ways to improve their operations and support.

Over the past five years, MERP has been working to improve the capacities of local authorities in Lebanon. The project helped municipalities engage in community-based planning, deliver better services, and support local economic development. MERP also worked closely with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities to strengthen the environment for local governance.

In her remarks, Ms. Faten Abou Hassan said: “Lebanese municipalities have been hit hard by the economic crisis, with their revenues shrinking and their ability to serve communities under pressure. Despite these difficulties, our municipalities have shown great resilience, but they need continued support to function effectively. I call on donors to provide the assistance needed to overcome the challenges and help municipalities better serve their people.”

Ms. Blerta Aliko, UNDP’s Resident Representative, stated: "The Municipal Empowerment and Resilience Project has strengthened local authorities in Lebanon, helping both host communities and displaced populations. We look forward to building on this foundation and continuing our support for local authorities."

Ms. Taina Christiansen, Head of UN-Habitat in Lebanon, added: "Through MERP, we have equipped local authorities with tools for better planning and service delivery. Our goal has been to improve local governance in Lebanon, and we hope to continue these efforts."

Mr. Samy Saadi, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Lebanon, emphasized the EU's commitment: "The EU believes in the important role of local authorities in improving people’s lives, from providing essential services to driving economic development. Through MERP, we have supported municipalities in responding to their communities' needs, but it is now up to Lebanese authorities to continue empowering their municipalities."

Following these opening remarks, MERP Project Manager, Ms. Rana El Khawand, gave a presentation highlighting the project’s key achievements. The event concluded with a panel discussion that brought together experts, policymakers, and development partners to discuss opportunities for enhancing local governance and economic development in Lebanon.

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For more information please contact: 
UNDP | Maryam Sweid‎ | maryam.sweid@undp.org  | +961 ‎(71) 366 212‎
UN-Habitat | Peter Moussa | peter.moussa@un.org  | +961 (70) 408 494

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