The 4th Emigrants Economic Conference

Under the High Patronage of His Excellency President of the Republic of Lebanon General Joseph AOUN

Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads in its modern history. After years of compounding crises — economic and financial collapse, institutional disintegration, deteriorating public services, the devastating Beirut Port explosion, and most recently, the most recent war — a window of hope is reopening with the election of a new President, the formation of a government, and the launch of a long-overdue reform agenda.

However, the path to national recovery cannot succeed without a genuine partnership between the nation and its vast diaspora. The Lebanese expatriate community — spread across more than 120 countries — represents an extraordinary reservoir of financial strength, knowledge, expertise, and international influence. Yet, this potential remains largely untapped.

Amid ongoing efforts to drive national revival and advance bold reforms, the 4th Emigrants Economic Conference will convene on August 8, 2025, at the Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel in Beirut. This high-level gathering, organized by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, and in cooperation with The Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon, the World Lebanese Cultural Union and the Emigrants Worldwide Organizations, will focus on the vital role of the Lebanese diaspora as strategic partners in Lebanon’s recovery and future growth. The forum comes at a pivotal moment, offering a platform to harness the energy, expertise, and potential of Lebanese expatriates worldwide.

Objectives

• Promote an open dialogue between the diaspora, Lebanese institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
• Reposition the diaspora from financial supporters to strategic partners in Lebanon’s rebirth.
• Present initiatives led by expatriates in the fields of economy, investment, governance, technology, education, healthcare, and public-private partnerships.
• Establish sustainable mechanisms for consistent engagement between the state and the diaspora.
• Promote an institutional framework to formalize and strengthen the diaspora’s developmental role in Lebanon.
• Trust between the state and the diaspora must be rebuilt through transparent and institutionalized mechanisms.

Audience

• Senior Lebanese government officials (Presidency of the Republic, Parliament, Council of Ministers, ministries…).
• Lebanese expatriates in politics, business, tech, academia, medicine, finance, law, and the creative sectors.
• Business leaders.
• Civil society organizations.
• International institutions (World Bank, IMF, Arab Funds, development agencies).

The Agenda

08:00 – 09:00 | Registration at Phoenicia InterContinental Hotel, Beirut

09:00 – 10:00 | Opening Ceremony

• Welcoming Remarks by Organizing Bodies
• Address by Prominent Diaspora Figure
• Address by Conference Patron

10:00 – 10:30 | Break

10:30 – 11:15 | Session 1: Foundations for Recovery and Renewal

After decades of conflict, instability, and economic collapse, Lebanon stands at a historic juncture to restore governance and implement critical reforms – the cornerstone for national recovery, renewal, and reshaping Lebanon’s future amid regional and global shifts. How will the government address existing challenges, spearhead reform, and rebuild trust with residents and the diaspora? Key points to be discussed in this session are:

• Economic and Financial Reform Priorities
• Public Sector, Institutional and Judicial Reforms
• Banking Sector Restructuring and Deposit Recovery Solutions

11:15 – 12:15 | Session 2: The Diaspora’s Vision for National Revival

The Lebanese diaspora remains a vital pillar of Lebanon’s resilience. As an enduring source of strength, their engagement is critical for national recovery and steering Lebanon toward stability and prosperity. What are the diaspora’s priorities? How do they perceive reform and Lebanon’s future trajectory? This session will focus its discussion on the following issues:

Diaspora Perspectives on Political Reform

• Envisioned Role in Economic Recovery
• Views on Banking Sector Reform
• Shaping Lebanon’s Regional and International Role
• Diaspora Diplomacy: Pathways to Influence

12:15 – 13:00 | Session 3: Global Success Stories

Showcasing achievements of Lebanese expatriates worldwide and their vision for contributing to Lebanon’s renewal.

13:00 – 14:00 | Session 4: Charting a New Investment Landscape for Lebanon

Recovery presents new investment opportunities in growth-driving sectors. Which emerging opportunities offer competitive advantages? How can the diaspora catalyze new investment inflows? This session will tackle the following issues:

Enhancing the Investment and Business Climate

• Addressing Critical Investment Barriers
• High-Potential Sectors
• Diaspora Investment Perspectives

14:00 – 15:00 | Lunch Break

15:00 – 15:45 | Session 5: Positioning Lebanon on the Global Digital Economy Map

The digital economy is fundamental to growth, sectoral competitiveness and mobilizing FDI. Digital transformation offers Lebanon accelerated development and new opportunities. How can the diaspora contribute? This session will discuss the following:

National Digital Transformation Strategy

• Digital Government and Cross-Government Integration
• National AI and Data Strategy
• Public-Private Partnerships in Tech Investment
• Diaspora Engagement in Digital Transformation

15:45 – 16:30 | Session 6: Globalizing Lebanese Startups: The Diaspora’s Role

Startups signal economic vitality but require robust ecosystems. The diaspora can propel Lebanese startups onto the global stage through scaling support, market access, and funding.

Dynamic Pitches: Lebanese Startups

• Growth Strategy Dialogues with Venture Capital Investors

16:30 – 17:15 | Closing Session