Beirut: The Minister of Information, Dr. Paul Morcos, and the Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Information Centre in Beirut, Cynthia Khoury, launched the economic development media file titled 'United Nations: 80 Years of Partnership with the Lebanese and Arab Governments to Promote Sustainable Development - Agenda 2030' at a press conference held at the Ministry of Information's headquarters. This program is part of numerous events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and will be produced in collaboration with the 'Hiwar Ektisadi' program, hosted by Ghada Ballout Zaytoun, an expert in sustainable development issues.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the program focuses on highlighting the path of Arab governments' implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030, through their national developmental and environmental strategies. It will be presented through field dialogue seminars with experts from the United Nations, the Arab banking sector, regional organizations affiliated with the Arab League, international financing institutions, and Arab funds.
In his remarks, Minister Morcos stated that the United Nations has consistently supported Lebanon in both crisis and achievement, acting as a partner in reconstruction and development while supporting the reform process. He emphasized Lebanon's continued commitment to the principles of the United Nations and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a roadmap for a fairer and more stable future.
Cynthia Darrous Khoury emphasized the strong partnership with the Ministry of Information and public media institutions in Lebanon, viewing the media as a crucial partner in accurately conveying the work of the United Nations, promoting transparency and accountability. She acknowledged ongoing efforts to advance a modern media law that aligns with international standards for freedom of expression and professional responsibility.
Ghada Ballout Zaytoun highlighted the significance of the new initiative, noting that the 'Hiwar Ektisadi' program and the accompanying media file aim to provide an objective view of challenges and opportunities. The initiative seeks to demonstrate how Lebanon, in cooperation with its partners, can progress towards a digital economy and sustainable development, supported by responsible media that remains aligned with global transformations.
This collaboration between the Ministry of Information, the United Nations Information Centre in Beirut, Tele Liban, and the 'Hiwar Ektisadi' program represents an important step in strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and Lebanon in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. It reaffirms the media's role as an active partner in documenting and communicating development and reform efforts in Lebanon and across the region.