Beirut: In a landmark address at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators' international conference in Beirut, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam laid out a sweeping national reform agenda aimed at transitioning Lebanon 'from a resilient people to a resilient state.'
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Salam's speech emphasized the urgent need for Lebanon to address its profound economic, political, and societal challenges. Years of corruption, nepotism, and sectarianism have severely impacted Lebanese society, leading to the near-total collapse of the financial and banking sectors. Since 2019, the Lebanese pound has lost over 98% of its value, and GDP has contracted by nearly 60%. The Beirut Port explosion in August 2020 further highlighted institutional dysfunction, underscoring the need for reform and effective governance.
The address also touched upon the impact of Israel's recent conflict, which has exacerbated Lebanon's humanitarian and economic crisis. Salam highlighted the resilience of the Lebanese people, who have endured severe hardships amid economic collapse. However, he stressed that the state cannot rely solely on this resilience and must transition to a resilient state grounded in the rule of law and modern institutions.
Salam outlined his government's mission to build "Lebanon 3.0," emphasizing the need for a stable and lasting framework that inspires trust. The government's core pillars include restoring sovereignty, securing judicial independence, re-establishing trust in the banking system, revitalizing key economic sectors, and modernizing governance through digital transformation.
The Prime Minister also highlighted efforts to reclaim public spaces, deliver on social justice, and transcend sectarianism. He emphasized the importance of citizenship, public freedoms, and meaningful political reforms. Salam concluded by inviting insights and contributions to advance arbitration and Lebanon's broader renewal, aiming for a future grounded in justice and opportunity.