Beirut: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati held a series of ministerial meetings at the Grand Serail on Monday, addressing significant national issues such as the education system, infrastructure, and the refugee crisis. These meetings brought together various government officials and stakeholders to discuss and propose solutions to some of the most pressing challenges Lebanon faces today.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, in his discussions on education, Mikati met with the Minister of Education, who presented a comprehensive plan to manage the education of 500,000 displaced students. This plan includes initiating double shifts in schools not currently hosting refugees, utilizing private schools for special shifts, and implementing remote learning options. The Minister assured that the academic year for public schools and technical institutes is set to start on November 4, and certain faculties at the Lebanese University will begin classes earlier, on October 28.
In addition to education, the
Minister of Public Works and Transportation updated the Prime Minister on the status of critical infrastructure, including Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport and national seaports, emphasizing their importance for the country’s food security. Special measures at border crossings like the Masnaa crossing were also discussed, highlighting the government’s efforts to maintain these essential facilities.
The meetings also covered emergency responses to the refugee crisis, with discussions on securing basic necessities such as water, electricity, and food supplies for approximately 1,000 refugee shelters across Lebanon. This is part of the broader national effort to manage the refugee situation without compromising the functionality of public facilities like schools.
Furthermore, Mikati’s engagements included talks on agriculture with the Minister of Agriculture and discussions on bilateral relations with the Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon. A meeting with a Member of Parliament underscored the importanc
e of national unity during crises, and a delegation from the Rafic Hariri Foundation advocated for alternative housing solutions for refugees to free up educational institutions.
The series of meetings underscores the Lebanese government’s proactive approach in tackling multiple crises through collaborative efforts across various sectors, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to overcoming its current challenges.