Under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Minister of Industry Mr. Joe Issa-El-Khoury, with the financial support of the European Union (EU), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), through its 2Circular Project, in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) , launched the Green Industry Finance Forum on 16–17 September 2025 at the Mövenpick Hotel in Beirut.
The forum comes at a critical time as Lebanon faces deep economic challenges and aims to highlight the opportunities inherent in shifting toward a green industrial economy by connecting sustainable projects with available financing from international institutions and the banking sector.
The event showcased success stories from pioneering circular economy and resource-efficiency initiatives, demonstrating the direct economic viability of green investments through cost reductions and the creation of new revenue streams. It also served as a platform for dialogue among policymakers, the financial sector, and industry leaders to discuss the reforms needed to accelerate Lebanon’s transition to a sustainable industrial economy.
The Forum was inaugurated by Ms. Soha Atallah, Industrial Development Expert at UNIDO, who emphasized the need to change perceptions about Lebanon’s industrial future. She stated: “Lebanon is an industrial country by excellence, and the shift toward a circular economy and green industry is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity to ensure economic resilience and enhance competitiveness.”
The opening session also featured:
- Mr. Emmanuel Kalenzi, UNIDO Representative, presenting successful experiences in supporting the circular economy and the role of UNIDO in Lebanon.
- Mr. Alessandro Vittadini, Head of EBRD in Lebanon, outlining financing instruments the bank makes available to enterprises investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- Mr. Salim Zeenni, President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), voicing the industrial sector’s perspective on the green transition, its challenges and opportunities.
- Mrs. Sandra De Waele, Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s path toward a green economy that generates jobs.
- H.E. Minister of Industry Mr. Joe Issa-El-Khoury, who stressed that the government’s industrial reform roadmap is built on the principles of sustainability and economic sovereignty.
The forum included a panel discussion on “Financing the Green Transition” with the participation of the IMF, the EU, the EBRD, IM Capital, and Cedar Oxygen.
Consultative workshops addressed issues related to small and medium-sized enterprises, environmental standards, and the legislative and institutional framework needed to support the green transition. The event also featured direct B2B meetings between financial institutions and industrial companies to pave the way for future financing partnerships.
The Forum concluded successfully after two days of fruitful discussions, confirming the commitment of all parties to forging a shared vision for a more resilient, competitive, and environmentally sustainable Lebanese industrial economy capable of creating new jobs, protecting the environment, and positioning Lebanon on the regional and global map of green industrial transformation.