France has announced it will host an international conference on October 24 aimed at supporting Lebanon’s people and institutions.
The event, initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron, follows a recent tour of the Middle East by France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, as confirmed by the French Foreign Ministry.
The conference will gather international stakeholders, including the United Nations, the European Union, global and regional organizations, and civil society groups.
Its primary goal is to mobilize global efforts to address Lebanon’s urgent humanitarian needs and to provide crucial support to the country’s key institutions, notably the Lebanese Armed Forces, which play a vital role in maintaining internal stability.
Lebanon continues to face a severe political and humanitarian crisis, with mounting challenges due to prolonged economic instability, governance failures, and regional tensions.
The French government has reiterated the importance of a diplomatic solution, urging adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for an end to hostilities and the safe return of displaced people in both Lebanon and Israel.
Additionally, the French Foreign Ministry has emphasized that electing a new Lebanese president is a critical step toward restoring the functionality of the country’s political institutions, highlighting France’s commitment to supporting ongoing efforts to resolve Lebanon’s leadership vacuum.
Lebanon, once a vibrant financial hub in the Middle East, has been mired in economic collapse since 2019, worsened by political gridlock and widespread corruption.
The international community, led by France, has persistently called for political reforms to secure foreign aid and rebuild Lebanon’s infrastructure.
The conference is expected to serve as a platform to renew global commitments to Lebanon’s recovery and stabilization.