UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Michael Beary and Lebanon’s Minister of State for Administrative Reforms, Dr. Inaya Ezzeddine, today discussed capacity building, joint activities carried out by the Mission in close coordination with local communities and issues related to the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701.
 
During the State Minister’s visit to the UNIFIL Headquarters, the UNIFIL Force Commander also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the Ministry in developing the institutional and technical capacities of the Lebanese ministries, central bodies, public agencies and municipalities. 
 
In his briefing to Dr. Ezzeddine, Major General Beary said that one of the key aspects of the UN Security Council resolution 1701, which forms the core of UNIFIL’s mandate, is the capacity building and the extension of state authority in the area of operations.
 
He also noted that the close engagement that UNIFIL’s officials have with local authorities has helped in identifying opportunities and addressing challenges together. 
 
After her meeting with the UNIFIL Head of Mission, Dr. Ezzeddine said: “UNFIL efforts are undeniable in Lebanon and through the course of the day here, I have witnessed and assessed your tremendous efforts to contribute to the sustainable development that support the capabilities of the Lebanese government and empower the local communities.”
 
During the visit, Minister Ezzeddine inspected some of the projects implemented by the Mission in coordination with the local authorities in South Lebanon: “These projects are one of the factors of building trust between UNIFIL and the local communities and they also help restoring state authority in the area.” And she added: “These projects are addressing the direct needs of the municipalities, which is a very important element in building trust and stability in UNIFIL’s area of operations.”
 
Dr. Ezzeddine also inspected UNIFIL’s sewage plant and solar farm. In order to reduce the Mission’s environmental footprint, UNIFIL has installed more than 2,100 solar panels, which account for more than 5 per cent of total energy consumption in UNIFIL’s headquarters.