GCNL’s initiative will be carried out through our focus pillar, Livelihood through SMEs. We are aiming to provide support for businesses through in-kind donations from multinationals companies and the Lebanese private sector as well as offer training and mentoring through CBI (Connecting Business Initiative).

Beirut Port Explosions August 2020

In partnership with OCHA and the UN Global Compact, CBi developed a UN Business Guide for the Beirut Port Explosions. “The document provides an overview of how the private sector can support the UN-led response and recovery efforts through financial and in-kind donations, commercial offers and contributions to longer-term recovery.”

SME resilience

Approximately, over 2,000 businesses have been destroyed and have ended operations since the blast. Over 100,000 individuals are now unemployed. The aftermath of the blast left 60% of businesses unable to resume operations and many were completely destroyed.

According to the Ministry of Economy & Trade, 95% of companies in Lebanon are Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and they provide 50% of employment. Yet they are usually among the most affected when disasters strike. Their knowledge of and access to risk management mechanisms and government programs may be low. Furthermore, many MSMEs do not have business continuity plans in place.

MSMEs were also hugely impacted by the Beirut Port explosions. Together with partners, the Global Compact Local Network is committed to finding ways to help them repair, rebuild and restart their businesses. Recognizing the impact of MSMEs in acting as agents of disaster recovery, the network will roll out business continuity planning support for affected organizations.

Coordinating private sector contributions

The private sector plays an important role in helping Beirut get back on its feet. Companies can participate in search and rescue operations, collect and distribute relief items, restore power lines, share information, make financial contributions and more. Many of the UN Global Compact member companies have already stepped up and made meaningful contributions. For example, [add some examples]. Global Compact Network Lebanon is in the process of mapping private sector resources and capacities that align with and can support the Government & UN led response and recovery efforts.

DISCOVER

Check out what our network members are doing in response to the blast

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