Marouk: Any discussion concerning the future of the Agency must begin with respect for its mandate

Representing the Chairman of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, Ambassador Ramez Dimechkie, the Committee’s Executive Director Nadine Marouk, participated in the UNRWA Advisory Commission meetings held in Amman, where she presented the official Lebanese position and its priorities during this critical phase.

Marouk was accompanied by Daniela Saoud, Head of the Legal Affairs and Coordination Department, and the opening session was also attended by Lebanon’s Ambassador to Jordan, Brigitte Tauk, representing the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Executive Director emphasized that the convening of the Advisory Commission meetings comes at an exceptionally sensitive regional moment, requiring a more coherent and responsible international approach based on ensuring sustainable and adequate funding for UNRWA, commensurate with the scale of the challenges and the international community’s political and humanitarian obligations.

She stressed that any discussion concerning the future of the Agency must begin with respect for its mandate as established by United Nations resolutions, the preservation of its vital and irreplaceable role, and the strengthening of close partnerships with host countries. Such discussions, she noted, should be conducted within a framework of consultation and consensus that promotes regional stability.

Marouk also reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities, including its continued co-chairmanship, alongside the United Kingdom, of the Working Group on Neutrality and Integrity, reflecting its determination to strengthen standards of good governance within the Agency.

She noted that the Lebanese government has, for the first time, begun preparing a comprehensive national policy framework for the governance of Palestinian refugee camps. The initiative aims to institutionalize an approach based on effective coordination among relevant stakeholders, improve refugees’ living conditions, and enhance stability through a comprehensive vision that balances sovereign and humanitarian considerations, while emphasizing UNRWA’s central role as a key partner in service delivery and a pillar of stability.

Prior to the Advisory Commission meetings, coordination meetings were held with host countries, in which the Dialogue Committee participated. Discussions focused on the items included on the agenda and on coordinating positions.

A separate meeting was also held with UNRWA Acting Commissioner General Ad Interim Christian Saunders to discuss key outstanding issues and strengthen channels of cooperation.