October 16, 2026
The President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, confirmed that the countries of Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria have an exceptional opportunity to launch a new path leading to reform, recovery, and growth, warning of the consequences of missing this current moment.
Banga’s statements came – according to what was reported by the official “Voice of Finance” platform during its coverage of the meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Bangkok – during a meeting of Arab governors, which witnessed the participation of the Lebanese delegation headed by Finance Minister Yassin Jaber. In this context, Banga said: “For the first time in many years, I see a glimmer of hope and a real opportunity for these three countries.”
The President of the World Bank explained that assuming new leaderships who possess the will to reform and work for the benefit of their people provides an opportunity to bring about tangible change, provided that effective international support is provided that translates aspirations into tangible results on the ground.
In the same context, Banga urged the institutions of the World Bank Group to mobilize their energies and intensify their support to Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, to help them implement the desired reforms, restore confidence, stimulate investment, as well as create job opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
For its part, the “Voice of Finance” platform pointed out the exceptional importance of these positions, especially since they coincide with the intersection of the urgent need for recovery and reconstruction with the necessity of completing the package of financial, economic and institutional reforms, and creating the appropriate climate to attract investments.
The platform concluded by emphasizing that Lebanon finds itself at a crossroads and a decisive strategic choice. Either participate actively in shaping the future of the region and benefit from its economic transformations, or remain on its margins, stressing that the path of reform requires a solid internal will matched by international partnerships and appropriate financing and technical support.
