During a visit to the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC), the Executive Secretary of ESCWA stressed the importance of their work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to the environment.
 
“We can benefit from the expertise of LAEC in the implementation of common mechanisms and programs related to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and on the issues of climate change and the impact on nature and people,” said ESCWA Executive Secretary Mohamed Ali Alhakim, speaking during a visit on 27 December.
 
Mr. Alhakim met with members of the Commission, including LAEC Director Bilal Nsouli and Moeen Hamzeh, Secretary General of the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (CNRD), to which LAEC is affiliated. The visit focused on scientific and research capabilities as well as services provided to the Lebanese community.
 
Established in 1996 with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), LAEC focuses on security and nuclear safety in Lebanon on both technical and research levels.
 
Mr. Nsouli noted that the Commission provides services related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Lebanon, and radiological control in the fields of health, agriculture, environment, banking and others. He underlined that the Commission's programs reflect Lebanon's vision in international and regional forums and aim to achieve economic and social development through projects related to water and air pollution, archaeology and forensic science. LAEC also collaborates with various universities, ministries and security agencies.
 
For his part, Mr. Hamzeh described the Commission as one of the centres of the CNRS that provides scientific and technical advice to the Lebanese government to resolve issues, such as those related to carcinogenic agricultural pesticides which are currently of public concern.
 
At the end of the visit, Executive Secretary Alhakim toured the scientific laboratories and spoke with researchers and technicians. They stressed the importance of their work for Lebanese society and the value of sharing their experience with other countries.