Day: March 28, 2023

House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Tuesday welcomed at his Ain al-Tineh residence Caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Amin Salam, with whom he discussed the country’s general conditions, especially the economic ones.
Berri then received head of the Public Procurement Authority, Dr. Jean Al-Alia.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Fuel prices have slightly dropped in Lebanon on Tuesday, with the price of a gasoline canister decreasing by LBP 10,000, that of diesel by LBP 35,000, and that of LP gas by LBP 15,000.
Consequently, prices are as follows:
95-octane gasoline: LBP 1,939,000
98-octane gasoline: LBP 1,986,000
Diesel: LBP 1,764,000
LP gas: LBP 1,254,000

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Following the recent visit of Lebanon’s Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Abbas Hajj Hassan, to Qatar, Lebanon confirmed its participation in Expo 2023 Doha.
Lebanon’s participation promises to bring both knowledge and entertainment. As the country with the highest proportion of arable land in the Arab world, Lebanon has already developed a number of innovative agricultural practices, including robotic and digital applications, an aqua-cultural farming system and advanced post-harvest infrastructure.
Agricultural practices, “mouneh” – the traditional Lebanese custom of food collection and preservation, and a wide array of creative performances will all be features in the Lebanese pavilion at the Expo.
“Lebanon – like other countries in the region – is suffering because of the drought crisis, which has been exacerbated by scarcity of groundwater and climate change effects”, said his Excellency the Lebanese Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Abbas Hajj Hassan. “We are confident that Expo 2023 Doha will increase awareness of practical, long-lasting solutions to these global issues.”
His Excellency also emphasised the long-standing brotherly ties between Qatar and Lebanon. “Naturally, the Expo will help things mature, and we hope it will mark the start and culmination of a brotherly cooperation”, he said.
“Lebanon and Qatar are important partners, and we are happy to host the Lebanese pavilion at the Expo 2023 Doha”, added H.E. Ambassador Mr. Bader Al Dafa, Expo 2023 Doha Commissioner General. “We believe that Lebanon’s participation will spark further regional collaboration in agriculture and horticulture as Arab countries are facing similar challenges and are actively looking for efficient and innovative solutions to tackle them together”.
Spanning a six-month period, from October 2nd, 2023, through to March 28th, 2024, Expo 2023 Doha will take place in the heart of Doha in Al Bidda Park, welcoming citizens and residents of Qatar, international visitors and high-level participants. Over 55 countries and organisations have already confirmed their participation in Expo 2023 Doha.
Expo 2023 Doha will be the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition to be held in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa. Organized and Led by the Ministry of Municipality, Expo 2023 Doha is conceived in line with the guiding principles of Qatar National Vision 2030 that puts environmental management and sustainable development at the heart of its mission.
Running for 179 days from October 2, 2023 till March 28, 2024 and aiming to reach more than 3 million visitors, Expo Doha 2023 will offer guests with an opportunity to visit ornamental gardens, attend public debates, conferences, live shows and enjoy art and culinary performances in the dedicated area in Al Bidda Park spanning across 1.7M square metres and facing the azure waters of the Arabian gulf. This year’s Expo 2023 Doha works along the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment” with the aim to highlight and encourage sustainable innovation and reduce desertification. The topics of modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability will all feature.
Under the auspices of the BIE (Bureau Internationale Des Expositions) and AIPH (International Association for Horticultural Producers), the exhibition will draw international visitors and organizers from 80 countries, as well as the national and international related Industries, Government entities and officials ýý(local, regional and international), Non-governmental organisations, Commercial affiliates; Sponsors, ýPartners, Suppliers, Media (local, regional and international) and national, regional, international general ýpublic visitors.ý.
The theme of Expo 2023 Doha is “Green Desert, Better Environment” as it aims to encourage sustainable innovation and reduce desertification. It will inspire visitors to take part in the change through 4 sub-themes:
Modern Agriculture
Technology and Innovation
Environmental Awareness
Sustainability
The BIE (The Bureau Internationale Des Exposition) is the Intergovernmental Organization in charge of overseeing and regulating all international exhibitions that last more than three weeks and are of non-commercial nature (“Expos”). Today, 4 main types of Expos are organized under its auspices: World Expos, Specialized Expos, Horticultural Expos and the Triennale di Milano. BIE’s mission is to guarantee the quality and the success of these world events, protect the rights of their organizers and participants, and preserve their core values of Education, Innovation and Cooperation. From the 31 countries that created the BIE in 1928, the Organization has grown to 170 Member States, as a result of the success and the appeal of Expos. The BIE Member States take part in all the decisions of the BIE, and they strive to continually improve the quality of Expos. The headquarters of the BIE are located in Paris.
BIE is a key international stakeholder in EXPO 2023 DOHA. www.bie-paris.org
AIPH is The International Association of Horticultural Producers is an international nongovernmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting horticultural producers. AIPH aims to put flower, plant and landscaping services on a global agenda, with a vision to:
Stimulate increased demand for ornamental trees, plants and flowers worldwide.
Protect and promote the interests of the industry.
Be an international hub for industry information and knowledge exchange. Lead best practice in ornamentals production.
With a mandate agreed by an international convention, AIPH has been approving and regulating International Horticultural Expos, with BIE (www.bie-paris.org), since 1960. Enthusiasm for such Expos has continued to grow, with millions of people visiting Expos hosted all over the world.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health inaugurated Karantina Rehabilitation Center. The centre is located at Beirut Public Hospital in Karantina and is the first of its kind in a public hospital in Lebanon.
The UNDP built and outfitted the centre with medical equipment to assist people with disability who have been disproportionately affected by the country’s ongoing crisis particularly following the Beirut Blast, which left many people with physical and psychological difficulties.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of Lebanon’s population, or over 900,000 people have a disability, out of a total of 7 million people. However, only 10% of them have access to the healthcare services they need. This highlights the urgent need for rehabilitation centers like the one in Karantina, which will provide crucial services to those who have been left behind.
The Karantina Rehabilitation Center, which was fully funded by UNDP, is made up of 700 square meters of prefabricated, fully equipped clinics. Managed by the NGO ArcEnCiel, it will provide around 360 therapy sessions and 80 medical consultations per month free of charge. Those include physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, early interventions, and other services to people with disability.
To ensure uninterrupted access to energy, the center has been equipped with a hybrid solar photovoltaic and diesel energy system with a total capacity of 80 KW and a battery bank of 150 KWh, which was made possible with the generous support of the Government of Germany through KFW Development Bank.
The center is now fully funded for one year through additional funding from UNDP and will provide services at no charge with plans to secure the needed funding for an additional year until the center can sustain its operations through symbolic fees in the future.
The Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without ensuring that people with disabilities are at the heart of UNDP’s efforts. Therefore, it is necessary that development efforts are inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of their abilities. This commitment has resulted in further tangible actions, such as the distribution of assistive devices to 1,800 people with disability after the Beirut blast through ArcEnCiel.
“UNDP is proud to have taken these actions, but we also recognize that sustainability is critical to ensuring the centre’s long-term impact. The Government, the Karantina Hospital, NGOs, and the international community must continue to work together for the center’s long-term financial sustainability. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that people with disability have access to services they require to live dignified and fulfilling lives. UNDP will continue to work tirelessly towards building a more inclusive society, one where no one is left behind.” Melanie Hauenstein, UNDP Resident Representative.
“The launch of the Karantina Rehabilitation Center is a significant step towards ensuring that people with disability, in Lebanon and the region, have the resources they need to thrive. I am proud to be part of UNDP’s efforts towards building a more inclusive society, one that recognizes the value and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.” Michael Haddad, UNDP Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Climate Action.
“We are grateful for UNDP’s funding and support, which has enabled us to provide these essential healthcare services to people with disability who have been underserved for far too long. The Karantina Rehabilitation Center will make a significant impact in the lives of those who need it most.” Dr. Michel Matar, Chairman of Beirut Public Hospital.
The Karantina Rehabilitation Center is part of UNDP’s holistic recovery approach that has extended over two years, working with local communities and stakeholders in Karantina to plan for a sustainable and inclusive neighbourhood. This included the implementation of solar water heaters for households, psycho-social support, lighting of main street using solar energy, and rehabilitation of small businesses and homes, among others.
UNDP is working in Lebanon since 1986 as a development partner supporting economic recovery, working with municipalities to deliver basic services to host communities, promoting clean energy and solid waste management, strengthening governance and rule of law, providing support to elections, and working on empowering women and youth.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon