In a bid to accelerate Lebanon’s post-war recovery, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber met with Jean-Christophe Carret, the World Bank’s Regional Director, on Wednesday to discuss the imminent launch of the Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (LEAP), a reconstruction initiative designed to channel international aid into rebuilding efforts through a newly established fund.
Accompanied by a delegation from the World Bank, Carret joined Jaber for a working session focused on the technical and administrative foundations of LEAP, which aims to attract funding from donor countries and international partners committed to supporting Lebanon’s rehabilitation.
Jaber emphasized the fund’s focus on transparency and accountability. “Today’s meeting addressed the technical and administrative aspects of the fund’s operation, including the mechanisms that govern it and the legal framework that protects its function,” he said, asserting that these rules are designed to “enhance transparency and build greater trust among donors and contributors.”
As part of the rollout, the finance minister announced that official invitations will soon be sent to ambassadors of accredited nations in Lebanon, along with major international and Arab financial institutions. The government is planning a high-level meeting in Beirut before June 10 to formally introduce the fund, present its governance structure, and outline its objectives in hopes of galvanizing broad-based support.
Furthermore, Jaber expressed optimism about the timing and momentum behind LEAP. “The project is launching without obstacles, especially as the international community begins to regain confidence in Lebanon,” he said, stating that “this renewed confidence is reflected in the reform legislation adopted by both the executive and legislative branches.”
Looking ahead, Jaber confirmed that meetings related to LEAP will intensify in the coming weeks and will involve key stakeholders from across government institutions and international agencies. He stressed the importance of a collaborative approach to ensure the fund’s success and maximize its impact.
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