By Sally Goldman
In a heartfelt and resolute address at the Lebanese Embassy in Washington, Minister Yassin Jaber articulated a vision of hope and determination for Lebanon’s future during a reception held on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings. The event, attended by a Lebanese delegation led by Jaber, alongside Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Middle East, underscored Lebanon’s commitment to reform and rebuilding trust with the international community.
Jaber began by expressing gratitude for the support and encouragement from the U.S. and the international community, emphasizing Lebanon’s unwavering resolve to move toward a brighter future. “We are here in Washington to engage with our friends at the IMF, the World Bank, and other international institutions to affirm our serious commitment to the path of reform,” he stated, speaking on behalf of his fellow ministers, the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, and the accompanying delegation.
The minister highlighted the urgency of structural reforms, driven not by external pressures but by the needs of the Lebanese people. “We are not undertaking these reforms to please the IMF or any external entity,” Jaber asserted. “We are doing this because we desperately need them for our people, for the future of our country, and to create a better Lebanon—a homeland where our children can return and find hope and opportunities.”
Reflecting on Lebanon’s challenges, Jaber lamented the squandered opportunities of the past. “How can a country like Lebanon, rich in talent and brilliant minds, go through what it has endured?” he asked, pointing to the absurdity of spending millions of dollars for just a few hours of daily electricity. This, he stressed, is why the current government is committed to a bold and ambitious reform program—one that goes beyond changing faces or positions to fundamentally transforming the way the state operates.
A key pillar of this reform agenda is the transparent selection of competent leaders to manage state institutions. Jaber shared promising developments, noting that the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) received over 650 applications for positions at the Council for Development and Reconstruction, many from the Lebanese diaspora. Similarly, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority announced five vacant positions and received 525 applications. “We are working to select the best among them,” Jaber said, emphasizing the principle of placing the right person in the right role.
The minister acknowledged the complexity of Lebanon’s challenges, describing the government’s agenda as “horizontal” rather than prioritized vertically. “Everything is a priority,” he explained, citing the need to negotiate with Eurobond holders, address the banking sector crisis, and engage seriously with international institutions on various reform files. The Lebanese delegation has been working tirelessly in Washington to secure the best possible outcomes for the country.
Jaber clarified that the immediate goal is not merely to secure funding—though financial support may follow—but to restore trust. “We are here to rebuild confidence between Lebanon and the international community, as well as with our Arab brothers,” he said. Negotiations with the IMF, he added, are not driven by sentiment but by necessity, as the institution serves as a critical gateway to restoring global confidence in Lebanon. “We want to prove to the world, and to those considering investment in Lebanon’s reconstruction, that Lebanon is serious and moving forward swiftly,” he affirmed.
The minister also extended thanks to the United States for its supportive stance, expressing hope that this message of optimism would resonate far beyond the embassy’s walls. Looking ahead, Jaber invited attendees to visit Beirut, where significant developments are underway, including improvements at the airport and along its access roads. “Lebanon is preparing to welcome the diaspora and visitors this summer,” he said, reaffirming the country’s role as a vibrant and attractive hub in the region.
As Lebanon navigates its multifaceted crises, Minister Jaber’s address struck a balance of realism and hope, signaling a government determined to chart a new course. With a focus on reform, transparency, and international cooperation, Lebanon aims to rebuild not just its economy but also the trust of its people and the global community. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but Jaber’s words offer a glimmer of hope for a nation eager to reclaim its potential.
