Lebanon’s Local Development Project for the Al-Fayhaa area kicks off in Tripoli
The Local Development Project has kicked off its implementation in Tripoli, with municipalities across the region set to work together under the UN-led program to strengthen the foundations for long-term economic and social development.
Launched in late 2024, the Local Development Project is a multi-year initiative led by UNDP Lebanon that aims to strengthen and professionalize municipalities and local governance across Lebanon. With an estimated budget of around $60 million (funded by the German government), the project covers 10 Unions of Municipalities and runs through late 2028.
Inaugural Union
The Fayhaa Union of Municipalities, which brings together the municipalities of Tripoli, Mina, Beddawi, and Qalamoun in North Lebanon, commenced its implementation process in July with the inaugural meeting of its local development committee in Tripoli. The committee brings together representatives from municipalities, civil society, the private sector, academia, and local communities to lead the co-creation of a Local Development Plan for the wider Al-Fayhaa area.
This Local Development Plan will guide the region’s five-year socioeconomic strategy. Key priorities include laying the foundations for economic recovery by supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), local value chains, and cooperatives, with a particular focus on youth employment. The plan will also seek to improve the management and accessibility of essential services and infrastructure, including water, waste, and energy.
The initiative further aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of frontline responders, including local Civil Defense units and Social Development Centers, to improve crisis response. In addition, it will establish governance mechanisms that foster effective collaboration across the local development landscape.
The implementation of the Local Development Project is supported nationwide by three partners: Beyond Group, a Lebanese management consulting firm; Chemonics International, a US-based development consultancy; and SHiFT Social Innovation Hub, a Lebanese social innovation hub.
Commenting on the launch, Wael Zmerly, President of the Fayhaa Union of Municipalities, said: “This initiative will help the Fayhaa Union of Municipalities develop a joint and shared plan for economic, social, and environmental goals. The most important aspect of this project is bringing together these minds representing key institutions to address shared goals.”
Bilal Al Ayoubi, CEO of SHiFT Social Innovation Hub and Program Manager of the Fayhaa initiative, added: “Investing in local leadership, stronger governance, and inclusive partnerships has never been more important to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future. I am proud to see this vision move from design to implementation in the wider Al-Fayhaa area. Lasting development is built with communities – not for them.”
The rollout roadmap
The Fayhaa Union of Municipalities is the first of the 10 participating Unions of Municipalities to begin the implementation process. The remaining nine are scheduled to start across 2026 and 2027.
“For the first time, municipalities, communities, businesses, and development partners came together in the Al-Fayhaa Union of Municipalities to shape a shared vision for local development,” stated UNDP Lebanon. “At a time when municipalities across Lebanon face unprecedented challenges, UNDP will continue to support its mission of building meaningful impact for communities across Lebanon.”
Reflecting on its role in the project, Beyond Group stated: “The Local Development Project invests in institutional capacity and community ownership, building platforms that lead sustainable local development planning. We look forward to contributing to this strategic project, which will deliver meaningful impact for communities across Lebanon.”
