PNN – The German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) has been operating in Lebanon for decades on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and with financial support from the European Union.
The German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), with a presence in Lebanon for over 40 years, implements projects in the areas of education, water management, peace promotion and employment. These activities are part of Germany’s soft influence strategy to strengthen its economic, political and cultural position in the region.
The German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) has been operating in Lebanon for decades on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and with financial support from the European Union. These activities are in areas such as vocational training, water resources management, peace promotion, and social development, and are designed to improve living conditions and strengthen stability in this crisis-ridden country. However, beyond development goals, these measures are a tool for Germany’s soft influence that helps garner public support, expand economic cooperation, and strengthen the country’s political position in West Asia. In the context of Lebanon’s economic, political, and social crises, GIZ seeks to create sustainable change and enhance Germany’s image as a responsible global actor through cooperation with local and international institutions.
The importance of Lebanon for Germany
Lebanon is of particular importance to Germany due to its strategic location in West Asia, its cultural diversity, and its role as host to the largest refugee population relative to its own population. The country provides a platform for geopolitical competition with powers such as China and Iran, and from an economic perspective, it is a potential market for German technologies and services. Through GIZ projects, Germany seeks to reduce social tensions, prevent illegal migration to Europe, and promote Western values such as gender equality and sustainable development. Soft influence through these projects allows Germany to strengthen bilateral relations and create a positive image among the Lebanese people without direct political intervention.
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GIZ activities in Lebanon
Strengthening civil peace and social dialogue
At the request of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and with a cost of 2,774,500 euros (total project 5,312,559 euros), GIZ has been implementing the Civil Peace Service (CPS) project since 2017 to promote dialogue between population groups and reduce sectarian tensions in Lebanon. The project helps manage social conflicts by networking civil society organizations and training in non-violent conflict resolution methods. This action strengthens peaceful coexistence and expands Germany’s soft influence by promoting the values of peace and democracy.
Improving the management of the educational system
Commissioned by BMZ and costing 4,000,000 euros, GIZ is implementing a project to improve the management of the Lebanese education system from 2024. The project, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, focuses on the decentralization of education, digitalization, and addressing gender inequalities. By strengthening institutional and educational capacities, this project helps reduce social tensions and create equal opportunities, and expands Germany’s soft influence by promoting modern educational values.
Water and wastewater resource management
At the request of the BMZ and with a cost of 8,500,000 euros, GIZ is implementing a project to improve water and wastewater management in regional water institutions in Lebanon from 2021. The project contributes to the resilience of water infrastructure by reducing water losses, developing emergency response plans and optimizing wastewater management. This measure, while improving public services, strengthens Germany’s soft power through the provision of advanced technologies and the acquisition of public support.
Promoting demand-driven vocational training
Commissioned by BMZ and with financial support of €3,500,000 from the European Union (total project €13,300,000), GIZ will implement vocational training based on labor market needs in Lebanon from 2021. Working in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the project will increase job opportunities for young people and marginalized groups by developing practical training programs, digitalization, and collaboration with the private sector. While strengthening the local economy, the initiative will expand Germany’s soft power by promoting Western educational models and building reliance on German expertise.
What are the various strategic objectives pursued by GIZ’s activities in Lebanon?
Creating new markets: Vocational training and water management projects create markets for German technologies and services, especially in the educational technology and infrastructure sectors.
Reducing illegal immigration: By improving job opportunities and education, GIZ helps reduce the migratory pressure on Europe.
Geopolitical competition: In West Asia, Lebanon is a platform for competition with powers such as China and Iran, and GIZ helps Germany strengthen its position and the Western bloc through soft influence.
Promoting Western values: Peace building and education projects promote values such as democracy, gender equality, and sustainable development, which are aligned with German foreign policy goals.
Restoration of historical image: These measures help Germany present a responsible and peace-loving image and distance itself from its historical past.