Beirut: Finance Minister, Yassine Jaber, on Wednesday inaugurated the Arab Forum on Public Finance and Budgeting at the UN House in Beirut, welcoming ESCWA Acting Executive Secretary Dr. Mourad Wahba and UNICEF Regional Director for MENA Edward Beigbeder.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Jaber stated that the forum is being held 'at a critical time for our region,' amidst overlapping security, political, and economic challenges. He emphasized the necessity for effective fiscal management to restore citizens' trust in state institutions.
Jaber highlighted that Lebanon and the region have long been affected by crisis-driven policies. He remarked that 'today's meeting carries a message of hope, that our region can rise from crises toward a new social contract based on transparency and efficiency.'
He stressed that public budgets should be viewed as 'not merely accounting tools but mirrors of societal priorities,' advocating for sustainable debt management, better-targeted social spending, and investment in human capital.
Jaber expressed gratitude to ESCWA and UNICEF for their support of the initiative and voiced optimism that the forum would enhance Arab cooperation and establish the groundwork for 'a more stable and prosperous future.'