Lebanon

Socio‑political and economic context
Lebanon continues to face one of the most severe and prolonged crises in its history. The economic and financial collapse, compounded by the 2023–2024 conflict with Israel, has deepened poverty, displaced large parts of the population and weakened already fragile public institutions. A new presidency and government were formed in 2025, launching reform initiatives aimed at restoring state authority and stabilising the country, although security and governance challenges persist.

Education system under pressure
The education system remains under extreme strain. Financial hardship has accelerated a shift from private to public schooling, while public schools operate under severe resource constraints, double‑shift arrangements and repeated disruptions linked to conflict and displacement. Although blended and remote learning approaches have enabled many public schools to resume instruction, teacher strikes, infrastructure damage and limited funding continue to undermine learning continuity and outcomes.

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET)
Lebanon adopted a new National Strategic Framework for TVET 2024–2029, developed by MEHE and the DGVTE with international partners, including ETF. The framework prioritises access, quality improvement and stronger private‑sector engagement, while responding to immediate operational challenges such as electricity supply, infrastructure and staff capacity. Implementation, however, remains heavily dependent on external financing and project‑based support.

Career guidance
Career guidance has gained recognition as a strategic instrument for recovery and employability. With ETF support, Lebanon is progressing towards a national career guidance framework covering both general education and TVET. Pilot initiatives include the expansion of Guidance and Employment Offices in vocational schools and the introduction of Career Guidance Focal Points in general education, although scale‑up has been affected by conflict‑related school closures.

Labour market and employment
Labour‑market conditions remain extremely weak. Unemployment is high, particularly among young people and women, while informal and vulnerable employment are widespread. Micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises—accounting for the vast majority of jobs—have been severely affected by inflation, currency depreciation and insecurity. Lebanon lacks a comprehensive national employment strategy, although the National Social Protection Strategy (2024) introduces an important shift towards labour activation, skills development and sustainable livelihoods.

Youth and vulnerability
Young people are disproportionately affected by the crisis. NEET rates have risen sharply, with young women particularly exposed to exclusion. Education and employment pathways for displaced populations, including refugees, remain limited and fragmented, increasing dependence on donor‑funded programmes.

Digital and green skills
Digital education and skills have grown in importance amid recurring disruptions. National platforms and teacher training initiatives have expanded, and the Forastech platform offers affordable digital skills training in partnership with major technology companies. At the same time, weak connectivity, electricity shortages and unequal access limit impact. Green skills are an emerging area, linked to renewable energy, waste management and environmental awareness, although initiatives remain largely donor driven.

👉 Implement the TVET Strategic Framework 2024–2029. Accompany the effective rollout of the national TVET reform agenda, focusing on quality improvement, competency‑based curricula, work‑based learning and more sustainable governance arrangements beyond project‑based support.

👉 Institutionalise career guidance across education and training. Advance the development and implementation of a national career guidance framework spanning general education and TVET, and strengthen links with employment services to support informed transitions from school to work.

👉 Strengthen labour‑market activation and skills relevance. Support the Ministry of Labour in improving labour‑market intelligence, employer engagement and skills‑matching mechanisms, in line with the National Social Protection Strategy and labour‑activation objectives.

👉 Safeguard access to education and skills in crisis‑affected contexts. Facilitate flexible delivery models, including blended learning and alternative training pathways, to ensure continuity of education and skills development for learners affected by conflict, displacement and economic hardship.

👉 Promote inclusive digital and green skills development. Expand digital and green skills provision aligned with recovery needs, while addressing infrastructure, connectivity and access gaps, with particular attention to youth, women and vulnerable populations.