UNESCO’s Regional Bureau in Beirut announced the launch of a new project to provide emergency support of around $2.2 million to cultural industries affected by the Beirut Blast.
The project comes as part of the organization’s flagship initiative LiBeirut, and will benefit at least 65 non-profit cultural organizations, as well as 85 individuals, 50% of whom are women and 40% youth.
Around 10,000 individuals are also expected to benefit indirectly from the project. UNESCO will invite all the eligible beneficiaries who will be selected based on a specific set of criteria through a transparent procedure.
With the announcement of this project, UNESCO expressed its long support for Lebanon’s artistic scene, as well as its creative industries.
The main objective of the project is to revitalize the socio-economic recovery of the marginalized members of the population and businesses affected by the port explosion and push the Lebanese government to kick-start reforms.
Erfan Ali, the Regional Representative of UN-Habitat’s Regional Office for the Arab States, expressed that the situation in Lebanon was challenging after the Beirut Blast.
“We are happy to help each other and capitalize on each other’s strengths,” he stated, noting that the signing of this agreement will help the economy through cultural industries “because Beirut is truly a unique creative hub for the Middle East.”
