Strengthening Lebanon’s education reform through strategic partnerships

اليونسكو

2024 - 01 - 22

UNESCO hosted a high-level event during the 42nd General Conference on 10 November 2023 to discuss ways to strengthen Lebanon's education system through strategic partnerships.

UNESCO hosted a high-level event during the 42nd General Conference on 10 November 2023 to discuss ways to strengthen Lebanon's education system through strategic partnerships. The event titled “Strengthening Lebanon's Education Reform through Strategic Partnership” brought together Lebanese partners and stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations that could lead to positive transformations in the country's education sector.

The session showcased strategic partnerships between UNESCO, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), and Education Cannot Wait (ECW), particularly emphasizing the joint initiative, the UNESCO Li-Beirut Flagship Initiative. The dialogue highlighted progress made in implementing Lebanon's vital Education Reform Agenda in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

Moderated by UNESCO Beirut Office Director Ms. Costanza Farina, a panel discussion included notable speakers: Mr. Ziad Makary – Lebanon's Minister of Information, Ms. Yasmine Sherif – Executive Director of ECW, Ms. Stefania Giannini – UNESCO Assistant Director General for Education, and Ms. Elian El Haber - representative of the UNESCO SDG4 Youth and Student Network. All expressed strong commitment to supporting Lebanon's education reform through strategic collaboration.

Ms Farina emphasized the challenges facing Lebanon's education sector due to economic instability, political, and social unrest, underlining the critical role of partnerships in advancing quality education. The panel highlighted the importance of collective action for a resilient and inclusive educational environment in Lebanon, echoing the voices of youth.

Mr. Ziad Makary acknowledged UNESCO's consistent support for Lebanon's education sector, particularly in developing the Five-Year Plan for General Education. UNESCO's technical expertise has guided various educational frameworks and plans in Lebanon, facilitating efficient coordination and monitoring through a clear results framework.

UNESCO and ECW's joint efforts resulted in significant achievements, including the rehabilitation of 40 affected schools, provision of learning materials to over 435,000 students, support for teacher training, and empowering schools with e-learning materials.

The Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Multi-Year Resilience Programme for Lebanon 2022-2024 “titled “Securing the right to free education for crisis-affected girls and boys in Lebanon”, implemented by UNESCO, UNICEF, and Save the Children, aims to secure free education for crisis-affected children in Lebanon amid regional conflicts and widespread poverty.

The event highlighted diverse partnerships and perspectives, emphasizing the crucial role of collaborative efforts in reforming Lebanon's education.

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