Lebanese private sector engage in climate action
A new initiative was launched on 4 September in Beirut, Lebanon, to promote the establishment of a Business Knowledge Platform. The aim is to engage the Lebanese private sector in the transformational change towards a low-carbon global economy called upon by the Paris Agreement. In this context, businesses have the responsibility to adapt their business models and integrate climate action into strategy-building and the investment decision-making processes. The first introductory session focussed on how Lebanese private companies may design and implement activities that will reduce their carbon footprint.
The Business Knowledge Platform is being established as part of the Lebanon Climate Act, which already brings together 120 companies from the private sector and civil society in Lebanon. The first of four training sessions was held at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (FCCIAL). The initiative is implemented by the Green Mind Society in partnership with FCCIAL and the Central Bank of Lebanon, supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The mainstreaming initiative and training program for the establishment of the Business Knowledge Platform is implemented in collaboration with the ClimaSouth project, and funded by the European Union (EU).
During the opening session, Green Mind’s president, Nada Zaarour, confirmed that Lebanon Climate Act initiative constitutes an opportunity to increase profits and enhance economic growth in Lebanon while stressing the responsibility of the Lebanese government to accelerate the ratification of the Paris Convention. Vahakn Kabakian, manager of the UNDP-supported climate change project of the Ministry of Environment, underlined the importance of voluntary initiatives such as the Lebanon Climate Act in attaining Lebanon’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as stipulated under the Paris Agreement. Bernardo Sala, team leader of the EU funded ClimaSouth project, pointed out that launching the climate change mainstreaming initiative in Lebanon while European Parliament was simultaneously convening for the historic ratification of the Paris Agreement, confirms that work is underway at all levels to effectively address climate change.
Main presentation | Intervention by B. Sala, ClimaSouth team leader | Press release: English, Arabic