Hounin El-Sayed Unveils Urban Renewal Vision for Tripoli at the Élysée Palace

Social Affairs Minister Hounin El-Sayed participated in the launch of the "Alliance for Culture, Dialogue and Development," a joint initiative between France and Qatar, held at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The event was attended by French Delegate Minister for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Citizens Abroad, Élise Caron, along with international figures and cultural and development institutions. The gathering concluded with remarks from French President Emmanuel Macron.

During the session dedicated to Lebanon, El-Sayed presented the urban renewal project for the city of Tripoli, outlining an integrated vision based on transforming the city's rich cultural and historical heritage into a driver for economic and social development and job creation.

El-Sayed highlighted major development projects launched by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to strengthen Tripoli's economic status and regional role. These include the development of the Port of Tripoli and its adjacent Special Economic Zone, the opening of René Moawad Airport in Qlayaat, the rehabilitation of the railway line connecting Tripoli to the Syrian border, and the revival of the Rashid Karami International Fair.

In this context, El-Sayed discussed the ten-year cooperation agreement between Lebanon and Qatar Museums for the development of Tripoli, emphasizing its integration with these major projects through heritage protection, urban fabric rehabilitation, and support for crafts and creative industries, thereby linking economic development with improved living conditions for the city's residents.

El-Sayed stressed that "preserving historic buildings and markets is not enough unless it is accompanied by revitalizing the local economy, supporting artisans, qualifying youth and women, and improving public spaces and services."

She also addressed proposed pilot projects in Al-Tell Square and Khan Al Askar, as well as the HIRAF initiative led by the Ministry of Social Affairs, aimed at providing vocational training, production spaces, and market access for artisans, particularly women and youth.

El-Sayed affirmed that "the vision for Tripoli goes beyond restoring stone to socially and economically reviving the city, linking its heritage with opportunities for employment, investment, and local development," stressing "the importance of international partnerships in supporting this path in a way that responds to the priorities of the city and its people."