International organization statistics indicate that Lebanon is hosting over 1.1 million refugees as a result of events in Syria and Iraq. This population displacement, categorized as the largest in the history of complex emergencies, places immense pressure on municipal resources.

Municipalities and their unions are key actors in responding to this sensitive environment due to their understanding of citizens' needs and their dynamic ability to respond to changes within local communities. However, given the current legal and regulatory framework governing municipalities, questions arise regarding their capacity to fulfill their developmental role, act as effective partners in crisis management, and address the negative economic, social, and environmental repercussions.

In this context, the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, along with the Ministry of Social Affairs, launched the "Project to Strengthen the Capacities of Lebanese Municipalities in Administrative and Financial Matters- Irada Baladiya", in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and implemented by the Institute of Finance Basil Fuleihan.

The project aimed to:

• Support municipalities in managing their resources according to proper procedures, particularly their financial, human, and organizational resources;
• Motivate participants to perform their role as local public leaders and ensure citizens’ participation in the various stages of local development process, starting with policy setting, passing by financial resources mobilization and ending with performance and implementation;
• Promote the culture of sound local governance with special emphasis on transparency, accountability and value for public money;
• Make information available on an electronic municipal resource center that allows continuous exchange of expertise, consultation, and sharing of success stories, providing the participants with means to maintain communication;

The institute implemented the project between December 2016 and March 2017, with the participation of 767 mayors and municipal council members from 260 municipalities across Lebanon. 

Participants were provided with essential knowledge and skills governing municipal work ranging from administrative, legal and financial matters> They were encouraged to learn from successful experiences and develop plans and projects suited to their local realities and aligned with the goals of sustainable development.

In addition to the training component, a field survey was conducted to identify the most significant challenges and obstacles faced by municipalities. 

Furthermore, an electronic resource center was developed, iradabaladiya.org, to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences and ensure the continuity of training. This platform offers participants an easy and smooth access to all training materials, references, and information.