Young people help shape Lebanon’s National Youth Strategy 2026–2030

Tripoli, 28 October 2026 – Young people from across North Lebanon, including universities, community centers, NGOs ,and vocational institutes came together to share their priorities, experiences and solutions as part of the second national consultation and the first regional consultations on Lebanon’s National Youth Strategy 2026–2030, led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in partnership with UNICEF and UNFPA.

Building on the national consultation process launched in February 2026, which was temporarily suspended due to the security situation; discussions have now resumed to ensure that the Strategy reflects the diverse realities and aspirations of young people at national level and provides a framework for coordinated national action to strengthen their opportunities, participation and well-being.

Lebanon’s young people continue to face significant challenges, including disruptions to education, limited access to decent employment and the impact of successive crises. Yet they also play an essential role in supporting their communities, driving innovation and contributing to social cohesion and recovery.

The consultations provide a platform for young people to identify priorities and propose solutions across key areas, including education and skills, employment and entrepreneurship, health and well-being including Sexual and reproductive health and rights, responsible digital engagement and artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, active citizenship, peace and social cohesion.

H.E. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, Minister of Youth and Sports:

“A National Youth Strategy must be built on the priorities and aspirations of young people themselves. Through these consultations, we are strengthening their participation in shaping a national framework that responds to their needs and expands their opportunities. Our responsibility is to ensure that their contributions translate into clear priorities, coordinated action and meaningful progress”.

H.E Dr. Rima Karame , Minister of Education and Higher Education “Student voice is not an addition to education. It is one of the ways young people learn citizenship: That they have a right to be heard, but also a responsibility to contribute.”.

“Young people are not only the future of Lebanon. They are already contributing to its recovery, development, and resilience. Their participation in shaping national policies is a right, and an essential condition for making those policies more relevant, inclusive and effective,” said Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. “UNICEF is committed to supporting a Strategy that invests in young people’s skills, well-being and opportunities, while ensuring that their voices continue to inform decisions and actions that affect their lives.”

“Young people will be front and central to design, develop and implement the National Youth Strategy. Key priorities that the young people of Lebanon have asked for include their safety, security, protection, and health including sexual and reproductive health mental health support,” said Anandita Philipose. “UNFPA is committed to supporting the Ministry of Youth and Sports and our partners to translate these priorities into practical action, with and young people.”

“We are proud to host the second round of consultations for  the National Youth Strategy 2026-2023 on our main campus here in Tripoli” - Dr. Bilal Barke representing the President of the Lebanese University Dr. Bassam Badran.

The consultations form part of a broader national effort to develop an inclusive, evidence-informed and actionable Youth Strategy, bringing together young people, public institutions and partners across sectors.

The priorities and recommendations emerging from these discussions will inform the finalization of the National Youth Strategy 2026–2030, with a shared emphasis on translating young people's contributions into concrete actions and sustained engagement during implementation.

The Minister of Youth and Sports closed the session by: “We are here today to listen to you because your opinions and ideas matter to us. The doors of the Ministry of Youth and Sports are open to all young women and men in Lebanon.”