UNDP and the Government of China are partnering in Lebanon to support the socio-economic recovery of women and youth post COVID-19 through ‎e-commerce, marketing, and business development sessions to increase employability, ‎entrepreneurship skills, and livelihood opportunities.‎

The project also targets Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and business development institutions with tailored training sessions on e-commerce and marketing.

The capacity development provided will equip participants with deepened theoretical and practical knowledge on strategy, innovation, networking, and business growth.

Background

Lebanon is facing a multi-layered and unprecedented crisis that has resulted in rapidly growing vulnerabilities. According to ESCWA, it is estimated that more than half of Lebanon’s population is trapped in poverty as the unemployment rate, especially among the youth and women, has significantly risen. Furthermore, the changing economic and social situation continues to exacerbate pre-existing gender inequalities. According to the 2021 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index Report, Lebanon ranks 132 out of 156 countries with one of the highest gender gaps in the world. Additionally, evidence from UN Women estimates that the number of jobs lost by women is 106,750, and accordingly, the number of employed women is expected to drop further by 22%.

To enhance women and youth’s economic participation, UNDP has been implementing multiple interventions as part of its main organizational objectives to reduce the impact of the multilayered crises and COVID-19 pandemic on livelihoods and social wellbeing.  The support provides vulnerable women and youth with the needed assistance to withstand and progress against the socio-economic barriers and challenges while preserving jobs and reducing unemployment. It also helps them advance their skills and knowledge on key topics to improve their careers and businesses.

The new partnership with the Government of China aims to:

• Support the marketing and e-commerce knowledge of women and youth in productive sectors
• Build the capacity of MSMEs and cooperatives in business management and e-commerce
• Strengthen the role of Business Development Services institutions in business management and e-commerce
• Expand access to markets through supporting existing or new e-commerce platforms

The project will work closely with specialized local institutions such as the chamber of commerce and local economic development agencies delegated by the local government to support MSMEs in trade, export, and related fields. It will also be implemented in partnership with BIAT.

APPLY NOW!
 

To join this initiative, submit your application before March 11, 2022:

For Women and Youth: Click here

For Business Development Institutions: Click here