In view of the enormous challenges faced by the three main host countries, Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey, Germany has co-hosted the London Conference, between 4 and 6 February this year, that united heads of States and Governments in reaffirming their commitment to the Syrian refugees.
The London Conference has set the tone for a new promising approach, which allows for viewing the crisis from a new angle for both refugees and host communities. Germany remains committed to backing Lebanon’s stability as in previous years and has now renewed its promise to support Lebanon on multiple levels. We will work with the Government of Lebanon and many other partners to boost economic growth, help create new jobs, and ensure that all refugees get access to a decent education by 2017. We aim to achieve these targets through a strategic and integrated approach that supports both refugees and Lebanese host communities facing difficult living conditions.
Acknowledging the power of media in bringing about and supporting the realization of positive outcomes as the ones set in the London conference, I hope that supporting an initiative such as this supplement will contribute to shed light on successes and stories of hope that can defuse tensions. Equally important, I am optimistic that such a platform will promote more comprehensive and balanced coverage of events which is very much sought for in times of crisis as the one we are facing.