LEBANON (Enmaeya Press Release) - October 10, 2025
Under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, the Ministry of Social Affairs officially launched its National Strategy for Social Development, marking a shift in the ministry’s role from managing social affairs to advancing social development across the country.
The event brought together an influential audience including Cabinet ministers, members of parliament, ambassadors from Arab and foreign nations, representatives of international organizations and agencies, as well as local and international partners of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
A National Vision
The strategy reflects a national vision grounded in human dignity and enhanced social protection for all citizens. It lays the foundation for transforming the ministry into a key driver of sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on equity, empowerment, and localized support.
During the launch event, speakers highlighted the strategy’s three core pillars
Pillar 1 - Social Assistance
This pillar focuses on providing direct income support to vulnerable households to help meet basic needs, reduce income insecurity, and enhance social stability.
Key programs include the AMAN Programme, which delivers monthly cash transfers to over 800,000 individuals, and the National Disability Allowance, supporting more than 30,000 persons with disabilities.
Expected outcomes: improved living standards, reduced food insecurity, and stronger national social safety nets.
Pillar 2 - Social Services
Through its network of Social Development Centers, the ministry is upgrading service quality and accessibility. Efforts include integrating digital monitoring tools and expanding partnerships with NGOs to enhance transparency.
Expected outcomes: better access to quality care, improved wellbeing, and reduced vulnerability through professional and inclusive social support.
Pillar 3 - Economic Inclusion and Local Development
This pillar aims to help individuals transition from social assistance to self-reliance through access to finance, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship support. Partnerships with municipalities and the private sector will promote sustainable livelihoods.
Expected outcomes: greater employment, sustainable incomes, and stronger community resilience through economic participation.
Cross-Cutting Enablers
The framework is supported by digital transformation initiatives, real-time data monitoring, and efficient budget rationalization to ensure spending aligns with strategic priorities.
Key Highlights from the Launch Ceremony
The launch program featured several key components:
Opening Remarks by the Minister of Social Affairs Hanine El Sayed, who emphasized the importance of this strategy in redefining the ministry’s role toward empowering citizens across all regions. “Lebanon must believe that the human being is not a burden on development, but its objective and engine,” she said.
A short documentary film offering an overview of the strategy’s vision and pillars.
A keynote speech by Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, reaffirming the government's commitment to institutional reform and inclusive development.
The Panel
A high-level panel brought together key leaders, including Minister Hanine El Sayed, Minister Mohammad Haidar, MP Bilal Abdallah, Lamia Moubayed, and advisor Saate’ Al-Arnaout, to discuss advancing social policy through greater integration and collaboration.
Panelists discussed the critical role of cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving the strategy’s goals and underscored the need for integrated efforts across all components of the Lebanese state.
Emphasis was placed on inter-agency coordination, local partnerships, and evidence-based policymaking as tools to bring the strategy’s vision to life.
The Ministry’s new direction marks a turning point in Lebanon’s social development landscape, aspiring not just to respond to crises, but to build a resilient, dignified, and empowered society.
