The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Employment-Intensive Infrastructure Programme (EIIP), funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, conducted a training session aimed at enhancing the capacities of Lebanese municipalities in EIIP methodologies. The training focused on familiarizing municipalities with core principles such as Labour-Based and Resource-Based Technology (LBRT), Decent Work standards, and social and environmental safeguarding. The event was attended by municipal leaders, engineers, and permanent council members from approximately 20 municipalities across Lebanon, who actively participated and exchanged experiences and best practices.
During the training, municipalities gained valuable insights into sustaining EIIP projects to ensure their long-term benefits and impact. Special emphasis was placed on the critical role municipalities play in post-crisis recovery, particularly through employment-intensive approaches that support livelihoods, rebuild essential infrastructure, and strengthen community resilience.
The training provided municipalities with practical tools for identifying local priorities, enabling them to clearly articulate strategic community needs and propose suitable projects for future interventions. Municipal representatives also acquired knowledge on sustainable procurement practices, prioritizing local labour, and cost-effective management to optimize project outcomes.
© ILO
The ILO EIIP team covered key topics highlighting the programme's comparative advantages, including social safeguards, Decent Work principles, and inclusive practices. Participants received further training in environmental safeguards, occupational safety and health (OSH), and effective methods for implementing and managing labour-based projects.
Municipalities actively engaged in focus group discussions on the sustainability and maintenance of infrastructure projects, acquiring practical methods to manage these initiatives cost-effectively. The session concluded with guidance on how municipalities can clearly identify their priorities and incorporate them into actionable project proposals.
This training forms part of the ILO's ongoing efforts to empower municipalities, enabling them to better address community needs, enhance employment opportunities, and effectively contribute to local economic recovery and resilience.
