Beirut: Social Affairs Minister Hanin Al-Sayed held an extensive coordination meeting at her ministry office this afternoon with representatives of United Nations agencies, with discussions focusing on national preparedness and humanitarian response mechanisms in light of the rapidly evolving regional developments. The meeting was attended by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, representatives of UN agencies, including United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), International Organization for Migration (IOM), World Food Program (WFP), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) - as well as representatives from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Higher Relief Commission, and Disaster Risk Management Unit Head at the Prime Minister's Office, Zahi Shahine.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the meeting came as a follow-up to the Prime Minister's convened meeting earlier today at the Government Serail, with the aim of activating the Social Affairs Ministry's emergency plan and enhance coordination between government bodies and international partners. At this stage, the Social Affairs Ministry's role includes managing and organizing shelters, ensuring their readiness, and coordinating efforts with UN agencies, the statement indicated.
Reference was also made to the coordination meeting held at the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities with the eight governors, during which proactive measures and ways to raise the level of preparedness domestically were addressed. Minister Al-Sayed stressed that coordination with UN agencies will take place exclusively through the Ministry of Social Affairs, with the aim of "unifying communication channels, ensuring the integration of efforts, and enhancing response effectiveness should developments require it."