Lebanon

From its early days as an Embassy Office to recent years, Lebanon has gone through multiple crises that have seriously affected its social, economic, and environmental stability. In addition to the 2019 economic collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut port explosion, a recent conflict has triggered a new emergency. This has led to the displacement of over 1.3 million people and caused significant damage to the country’s infrastructure, placing enormous pressure on national systems, particularly in health, education, water, energy, and social protection.

Public services, which were already struggling, are now nearly non-existent in many areas, especially in the south and the Bekaa Valley. Vulnerable populations, including Syrian refugees and the poorest Lebanese, have been disproportionately affected. Their access to basic goods and essential services has become increasingly limited, aggravating political and social tensions and increasing the risk of further polarization among different communities. Beyond the escalation witnessed in late 2024, Lebanon has long been facing with a prolonged socioeconomic crisis, further intensified by the presence of approximately 1.5 million displaced Syrians and over 220,000 Palestinian refugees.

In this context, Lebanon faces a complex set of interconnected challenges that demand coordinated responses and a thoughtful reassessment of its capacity to manage long-term crises. Maintaining human rights, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development are essential to ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for its population. The reconstruction of the country. Rebuilding the country, both physically and through reforms is now an urgent priority.

The complex situation in Lebanon requires a multifaceted and context-sensitive approach. While humanitarian assistance remains a priority, particularly for refugees and internally displaced persons, there has consistently been a need to move beyond emergency response alone. Targeted investments in sustainable development initiatives are essential to strengthen the resilience of local communities.

The stabilization of Lebanon is pursued through the strengthening of institutional capacities and governance frameworks, complemented by strong support for civil society, which serves as a vital actor in fostering social cohesion and encouraging democratic participation.

Italian Cooperation has distinguished itself through the quality of its interventions, its emphasis on partnerships with local participants, and its commitment to promoting human rights. With historical foundation, beginning with a bilateral agreement in 1983 and the establishment of the Italian Cooperation Office in 2006, Italy’s engagement in Lebanon had, by 2024, mobilized resources exceeding 397 million euros.