Press Releases and Statements

The Lebanese economy is suffering from the consequences of longstanding development challenges and multiples crises. Starting from the Syrian crisis in 2011, to the ongoing financial and economic crisis exacerbated further by the COVID-19 health emergency, these shocks are coming at a very high…

Statement of the International Support Group Beirut, 13 May 2020 The ISG takes due note of the unanimous adoption by the Government of Lebanon of its Financial Recovery Plan as a constructive framework for future reforms as well as its decision to request an IMF program as a first step in the right…

UN Special Coordinator Jan Kubis and Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed the Security Council on the situation in Lebanon during its regular meeting on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The members of the Security Council commended the key and…

The COVID-19 outbreak has translated into a major education crisis. Nearly 190 countries have imposed school closures, affecting 1.5 billion children and young people, according to a UN report launched by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week. While many countries, including Lebanon, switched…

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE ON THE BEGINNING OF RAMADAN I extend my warmest wishes as millions of Muslims around the world begin observing the holy month of Ramadan. This will, of course, be a very different Ramadan. Many community activities will naturally be affected by measures to combat the…

As prepared Talking Points of Mr. Jan Kubis, Special Coordinator for Lebanon on Behalf of UNSCOL International Support Group Meeting at the Invitation of H.E. President Aoun Beirut, 6 April 2020 Allow me to thank H.E. President Aoun for inviting the members of the ISG. Presentations provided in this…

Ten days ago, I issued an appeal for an immediate ceasefire in all corners of the globe to reinforce diplomatic action, help create conditions for the delivery of lifesaving aid, and bring hope to places that are among the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. This call was rooted in a…

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was joined – virtually – by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; Ms. Henrietta Fore, UNICEF’s Executive Director, and Mr. Mark Lowcock, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. The press…

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- APPEAL FOR GLOBAL CEASE-FIRE 23 March 2020 Our world faces a common enemy: COVID-19. The virus does not care about nationality or ethnicity, faction or faith. It attacks all, relentlessly. Meanwhile, armed conflict rages on around the world. The most vulnerable — women and…