Kuwait City, 21 July 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Kuwait Fund for  Development (KFAED) today signed an agreement to implement the "Empowering Public Services with Solar Energy – Lebanon" initiative, a US$3 million partnership that will provide clean and renewable energy solutions across seven key public institutions to improve essential services and support Lebanon's sustainable recovery. 

Lebanon's prolonged economic and energy crisis has left many public institutions operating with only a few hours of electricity each day, disrupting the delivery of essential public services and increasing reliance on costly diesel generators. Through this partnership, seven priority public institutions will be equipped with solar photovoltaic systems and energy-efficiency upgrades, helping ensure more reliable electricity while reducing operating costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and dependence on fossil fuels. The initiative will also strengthen the capacity of engineers and facility managers to operate and maintain the systems, benefiting more than 500,000 people across the country. 

"Partnerships are essential to solving today's development challenges. For many years, UNDP and the Kuwait Fund have worked together to help countries advance sustainable development and build more resilient communities. Through this partnership we are strengthening public institutions, supporting climate action, and delivering lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits, Said Ms. Emma Morley, UNDP Resident Representative in Kuwait. 

Reaffirming the Kuwait Fund's commitment, Mr. Rashaid Ali Al-Bader, Acting Director General of KFAED, said: "Today's agreement with UNDP reflects the Kuwait Fund's longstanding partnership with international organizations and our continued commitment to supporting the people of Lebanon. Reliable energy is essential to ensuring the continuity of public services. Through this grant, we are supporting practical and sustainable solar energy solutions that will reduce operating costs, strengthen the reliability of essential public institutions, and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. We are confident in UNDP's ability to deliver this project effectively and believe it will create lasting impact by strengthening institutional capacity and advancing the SDGs we jointly support." 

Beyond improving access to reliable electricity, the initiative will help public institutions reduce operating costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and deliver more reliable services to communities. By investing in sustainable public infrastructure, the partnership contributes to Lebanon's long-term environmental and development priorities while creating lasting benefits for people and the planet. 

"At a time when many public institutions continue to face severe energy challenges, the State of Kuwait and the Kuwait Fund are making a timely and strategic investment in Lebanon's public sector and its capacity to deliver essential services. This generous grant will strengthen the resilience of critical public institutions, ensure greater continuity of service delivery, and help reduce energy costs through sustainable solutions. Beyond its immediate impact, it reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Lebanese people, strengthening national institutions, and accelerating the country's transition toward a more resilient and sustainable energy future” said Ms Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon.  

 The partnership reflects the shared commitment of UNDP and the Kuwait Fund to supporting Lebanon's recovery through long-term investments in clean energy, stronger public institutions, and sustainable development. By improving the reliability and sustainability of essential public services, the initiative will help build more resilient institutions while contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for Lebanon.