Lebanon Needs World Bank Support to Aid 600,000 Returnees, Aoun Tells Khalifa

President Joseph Aoun received Dalia Khalifa, the World Bank’s Regional Director for the Middle East, along with her delegation, in connection with her assumption of new responsibilities covering Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Iran.

World Bank Commitment to Prioritizing Hardest-Hit Areas

Khalifa expressed pride in taking on this role and affirmed her determination to act swiftly in response to Lebanon’s pressing needs. She requested President Aoun’s guidance on national priorities and on what the World Bank Group should focus on in the period ahead. Khalifa stated that the World Bank remains committed to sustaining its partnership with Lebanon, addressing the country’s requirements, and is prepared to mobilize existing programs—directing priority support toward the most severely affected areas.

Leveraging Support for Displaced Citizens’ Return

Aoun underscored Lebanon’s critical need for World Bank assistance and that of its partners at this stage—particularly to help the state meet the needs of more than 600,000 citizens who have returned to their localities. This effort comes against a backdrop of extensive damage inflicted on numerous towns and villages, some of which suffered near-total destruction.