“The Road Is Difficult, but Reform Has Begun” – President Joseph Aoun: We Are Working with Determination

President Joseph Aoun emphasized the vital role of the Lebanese diaspora in sustaining the country during its most difficult times, highlighting the importance of true partnership between expatriates and the homeland.

Since the beginning of the crisis, one lifeline remained open — the Lebanese diaspora. This proves that expatriates have never been distant from Lebanon. On the contrary, they have always been its support and its hope

Full Speech of President Joseph Aoun:

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Lebanese Brothers and Sisters across the Globe,

My presence among you today is filled with gratitude and hope.
Gratitude to every one of you who came from far corners of the world to say: “We stand with Lebanon.”
And deep hope in you — because you’ve never turned your backs on this country, neither in spirit nor in action.

This conference is not merely an economic event — it is, above all, a moment of reunion:
A meeting between residents and expatriates, between those who stayed and endured, and those who carried Lebanon in their hearts wherever they went.

Despite the profound collapse Lebanon has suffered over the past years on multiple fronts, it was the diaspora that remained the steady heartbeat of the nation.
You were always the first to respond in times of need — often more swiftly and effectively than the state itself.
When nearly all sources of income dried up, one vital artery remained open: you.

At the height of the crisis, remittances reached 6.5 billion dollars a year, representing 33% of GDP — a clear testament to your unwavering support and deep-rooted connection to Lebanon.

But today, we need more than just financial support.
We need a true partnership. We want the expatriate to be an investor, a knowledge carrier, and a stakeholder in shaping the country’s direction — bringing fresh thinking, strong networks, and the will to create jobs and support vibrant local enterprises.

Our region is witnessing massive transformations — with major investments in energy, green economy, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology.
As Lebanese, we possess a creative and qualified human capital — young women and men who, if given the opportunity, can be at the forefront of these developments.

That’s why we must develop a serious economic diplomacy — one that opens doors for Lebanese not only abroad, but also at home.
We must create opportunities here, to restore hope for every young Lebanese seeking a future that matches their ambitions — a future that keeps them in this country.

We cannot deny the road ahead is difficult — but reform has begun.
We are determinedly working on a series of reforms and laws — some already passed and being implemented, others under parliamentary review, and some still in preparation. These include:

• The Special Economic Zones Law for technological industries
• The law for banking sector restructuring, addressing the financial gap, and lifting banking secrecy
• The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Law
• The Judicial Independence Law

… and other structural reforms aimed at building a transparent, stable, and secure environment — one that protects investors and restores confidence in Lebanon.

It is now essential to reconnect Lebanon to a productive regional role — one that is present in reconstruction, regional development, and the major transformations reshaping the economic map of our region.

This conference is a real opportunity — not only to rebuild partnerships among ourselves, but also with our Arab brothers and international friends.

On behalf of every Lebanese, I say: Welcome.
May this conference mark the beginning of a sustainable path — one we draw together — to restore hope and Lebanon’s rightful place.

Thank you for being here.
Thank you for your dedication.
Thank you for your faith in this nation.
Long live Lebanon.