The World Bank, and in cooperation with the United Nations and the European Union, recently launched a reform, recovery and reconstruction framework (3RF) for Lebanon in an endeavor to assist the country in recovering from the Beirut port explosion. The 3RF framework, which comes also in coordination with the civil society, the Lebanese government and the international community, aims to operationalize the findings of several assessments, including the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessments (RDNA), which were conducted subsequent to the Beirut port explosion. The report considered that apart from inflicting sizeable damages (human and physical), the explosion has worsened an already existing trust crisis, particularly when it comes to the country’s ability to implement structural reforms. Accordingly, the report recommended the creation of a new governance model that improves confidence in public institutions. It further added that the response to the explosion would require cooperation from the country’s different stakeholders, namely community-based local initiatives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which were the frontrunners in responding to the crisis and the private sector, which in its turn requires immediate support to overcome the recent repetitive shocks. The 3RF strives to assist Lebanon in attaining three main goals related to the port explosion namely a people-centered approach that restores a sustainable livelihood for affected people, the restoration of vital assets, services & infrastructure and the adoption of structural reforms that will accompany the reconstruction process and restore people’s trust. Accordingly, the 3RF will be adopting two major tracks, a people-centered recovery track (Track 1) and a reform and reconstruction track (Track 2), with each track based on four major pillars as highlighted below:

-       Improving Governance & Accountability (Pillar 1): Supporting a transparent and accountable framework particularly when it comes to Public Financial Management (PFM) and public procurement, anti-corruption, justice and human rights.

-       Jobs and Economic Opportunities (Pillar 2): Creating economic opportunities and improving livelihoods via revitalizing business opportunities and safeguarding jobs, improving the insurance sector & financial services and strengthening the business environment.

-       Social Protection, Inclusion and Culture (Pillar 3): Enhancing social protection, expanding social inclusion and restoring cultural & national heritage.

-       Improving Services & Infrastructure (Pillar 4): Rebuilding the port and improving its governance and recovering urban (electricity, municipal and the environment) & public (health, education and water) services.

The report estimated that the total cost of people-centered approach stands at around $584 million, of which some $426 million are required for year 1, and the cost of the reforms and reconstruction approach at around $2 billion. This is further highlighted by the below table:

Finally, the report indicated that a Financing Facility will be created to gather funding for the reform, recovery and reconstruction framework, subject to 3RF governance arrangements. Furthermore, said funds shall be allocated directly to affected Lebanese people and businesses.