UN Special Coordinator Bessoultan Affirms Lebanon’s Potential and the Feasibility of a Strong State

Janine Hennis-Plasschaert, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, addressed a farewell message to the Lebanese people in which she reflected on her two years in the country. She shared that during her tenure, she learned to appreciate the beauty visible from everyday perspectives, such as neighboring churches and mosques and ancient ruins amid modern buildings. She also discovered that walking mountainous paths could offer a profound sense of calm away from daily life’s bustle. Furthermore, she observed the limitless generosity of Lebanese people, who, regardless of their backgrounds or affiliations, are always willing to share whatever they have, even if modest.

However, she noted that some lessons from the past two years were harsh. Reading about the economic collapse differs greatly from speaking to someone who can no longer access life savings accumulated through personal and family efforts over generations. She witnessed the depth of sectarian divisions and the decline of pragmatism and empathy behind increasingly rigid partisan lines. Additionally, she experienced the complex consequences and destructive effects of armed groups operating outside state authority, creating a state within a state. She also observed mounting anger linked to ongoing political paralysis, corruption, and impunity.

Despite these challenges, Hennis-Plasschaert emphasized that Lebanon possesses significant assets that could place it in a much better position. The country is rich in potential, from its natural beauty and vast reservoir of creativity and perseverance to its capacity to transform diversity into a source of strength.

She pointed out that some of these potentials began to emerge over the past year, with the new president and government adopting bold and ambitious agendas that broke taboos and outlined a vision for a strong, sovereign Lebanese state. Recent discussions in Washington and the resulting framework agreement, while part of a broader picture, demonstrate Lebanon’s ability to open new horizons toward the future.

Nevertheless, she stressed the necessity of creating a conducive internal environment not only to confront external developments and influences but also to transition to effective governance based on decision-making. Although Lebanon’s power-sharing system has a long history, the approach centered on a strong state role has been absent for an extended period. There is a need for a more comprehensive approach to the issue of weapons outside state control, one that extends beyond the military dimension and ensures a future where the state alone protects all Lebanese and can meet their needs.

Hennis-Plasschaert expressed her conviction that establishing a strong Lebanese state remains an achievable goal. However, it requires years of tremendous effort and considerable patience. She acknowledged that the government alone cannot accomplish this task; all leaders and political actors must participate, placing the state’s interest above any partisan or sectarian affiliation. Lebanon also unquestionably needs support from its partners and friends abroad to strengthen and back the decisions of the Lebanese state.

She further highlighted the necessity of changing the mentality and practices of Lebanese society, which has long relied on support networks outside the state framework. During her time in Lebanon, she heard that the vast majority of people are weary of this reality. From public sector employees and business owners to fruit vendors and taxi drivers, everyone desires a stable life, to welcome loved ones returning from abroad, and to plan their future without the uncertainty of constantly wondering, “Let’s see how things will be next month.”

She called the present moment the best time to issue a unifying appeal to rally around the Lebanese flag.

As her plane departed from Beirut airport, she did what she had learned to do over the past two years: she looked out the window. She was struck by the expanse of the Mediterranean coastline and the cityscape gradually ascending toward the towering peaks of Mount Lebanon.

Lebanon, she noted, has contributed much to the world—from the alphabet considered by many historians as the foundation of the modern alphabet to what she personally regards as the best “kiosk” in the region. Today, she said, it is time for Lebanon to offer itself the opportunity it deserves and to become the country it rightfully should be—a country that genuinely is nothing less than a paradise on earth.