July 30, 2025 | Tripoli, Lebanon
Lebanon was set to take a major step toward a more sustainable future with the Green Forward Conference 2025, which took place on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Tripoli (CCIAT).
Organized by the Business Incubation Association in Tripoli (BIAT), in partnership with the international, non-governmental organization SPARK, and with the financial support of the European Union, the conference was a central component of the Green Forward programme in Lebanon and a key platform for shaping the country’s green economy transition.
The conference brought together more than 150 participants, including Business Support Organizations (BSOs), SMEs, policymakers, and experts from Lebanon, the European Union, and the wider Southern Neighborhood, as well as many stakeholders engaged in Lebanon’s economic and environmental development. It served as a platform for knowledge exchange, the development of partnerships, and the creation of a national roadmap to guide Lebanon’s transition to a green and circular economy.
The Green Forward programme, funded by the European Union, aims to foster a green and circular economy in the Southern Neighbourhood region, which includes countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The programme operates at three levels: macro, meso, and micro, implemented respectively by a consortium comprising Expertise France, SPARK, and UNIDO.
The programme’s meso-level component is implemented by SPARK in collaboration with partners across seven countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia. In Lebanon and across the Southern Mediterranean region, the programme’s aim is to enhance the capacity of business support organisations (BSOs) to serve as ecosystem enablers, bridging the gap between policy and practice. Green Forward does this by addressing the practical needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainable and circular economy practices. By equipping BSOs with tools, training, and opportunities for regional collaboration, the programme commits to fostering job creation, economic opportunity, and alignment with the principles of the European Green Deal in Lebanon and beyond.
Through its intervention in Lebanon, the Green Forward programme is set to deliver a range of strategic outputs to advance the green and circular economy. 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed between Business Support Organisations (BSOs) and key Lebanon-based stakeholders in the green and circular economy, as part of an international conference. 6 workshops and roundtables will be organized to encourage peer learning and partnerships, complemented by peer pod meetings held between sessions. 4 BSOs will benefit from capacity-building support to strengthen their role as green ecosystem enablers, while 3 green BSOs will receive specialized training on green and circular economy practices. A practical toolbox will be developed to assess the integration of sustainability and the circular economy, with 30 SMEs engaged to test it.
The programme will also support the development of a national roadmap for a green business network and launch an awareness campaign to highlight the impact and opportunities of the green and circular economy in Lebanon. To build on these efforts, a networking working group of 24 public and private stakeholders, including 3 green BSOs, will be established to foster multi‑stakeholder collaboration. This group will convene annually to validate progress and outputs, ultimately leading to the formulation of one policy recommendation.
“Through the Green Forward programme, we are reinforcing the institutional capacity of business support organisations to serve as key enablers of the green and circular transition across the region. This approach ensures long-term impact by equipping local actors to drive sustainable entrepreneurship, green job creation, and low-carbon innovation.”— Afef Ajengui, Regional Programme Manager of the Green Forward programme at SPARK.
“This initiative aims to build the capacity of Business Support Organizations (BSOs) to become vital ecosystem enablers, closing the gap between policy frameworks and the real needs of SMEs. By fostering innovation, encouraging sustainability, and promoting collaboration, the program drives the shift toward an inclusive and resilient green economy.”– Mr. Nasri Mouawad, Chairman of BIAT.
The conference featured expert discussions on green business models, ESG practices, and circular economy strategies, along with interactive sessions to facilitate meaningful collaboration across sectors.
Two dedicated panels moderated by Maurice Matta enriched the program: the first panel titled “Building a Green Business Ecosystem in Lebanon”, featured H.E. Dr. Nasser Yassin, former Minister of Environment in Lebanon, Ghada El-Armali, International Green Economy & Sustainable Growth Expert, and Dr. Hasan Youness, Entrepreneur, Academician, Exec. Committee Ecoswitch Coalition; the second panel titled “Green Businesses – Success Stories”, included Omar Itani, founder of “FabricAid”, Batoul Hakim, founder of “Savvy Element”, Ziad Abi Chaker, founder of “Cedar Environmental”, and Khalil Haykal, EBRD Representative.
The conference led to multiple partnership agreements and a shared vision for a vibrant green business network in Lebanon.
This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the European Green Deal and seeks to foster economic resilience through sustainability. By empowering local actors and fostering innovation, the Green Forward programme positions Lebanon as an active participant in regional efforts to build a greener, more circular future.
About BIAT:
BIAT is a leading Lebanese Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) founded in 2006 to empower individuals, businesses, and communities. BIAT plays a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic development across Lebanon, particularly in underserved regions. Recognized by international and local development actors as a success story in SME support, BIAT has implemented over 80 impactful projects and supported more than 8,000 entrepreneurs and MSMEs.
With a focus on job creation, economic resilience, and community transformation, BIAT provides tailored services including business incubation, access to finance, capacity building, and market linkages. Its interventions span key industries such as agribusiness, green energy, and social livelihood, ensuring alignment with local needs and global sustainable development goals (SDGs). BIAT’s advocacy efforts further address systemic barriers and champion inclusive growth, amplifying opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized groups.
Through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, BIAT remains committed to being a catalyst for change, driving prosperity, stability, and growth in Lebanon.
About SPARK:
SPARK is an international, non-governmental organisation focused on economic development for youth in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Established in 1994, SPARK has 30+ years of experience and over 120 staff members working in regions of Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
SPARK’s mission is to create impactful jobs for youth, including women and refugees. We facilitate youth in higher education, internships, entrepreneurship, and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises within high growth potential sectors, such as green, digital technology, and agri-business.