The Chamber of Beirut and Mount Lebanon organized the first YEP MED Working Group meeting on March 11, 2021. The virtual meeting brought together the key stakeholders of the YEP MED project, namely the port of Beirut, Beirut Container Terminal (BCT), International Chamber of Navigation, syndicate of freight forwarders, American University of Technology (AUT), Dar Aytam, UNESCO, logistics companies and logistics and TVET experts.

The main objective is to share the results and findings of the skills gap e- survey conducted by the Chamber within the port and logistics sector to identify the most needed profiles and skills. The proposed dual trainings programs (Vocational and occupational) shall be adapted to the effective needs of the Lebanese logistics sector.

Rabih Sabra, Director General of the Chamber, stressed on the potential impact of YEP MED project in social inclusion and employability of Lebanese youth and NEETs (not in employment, education and training) within this promising sector.  He pointed out the importance of role and engagement of the YEP MED stakeholders through collaboration agreements to sustain these trainings beyond the lifetime of the project. Mrs. Hana Nehme, presented the project YEP MED and shed lights on the partnership with key port authorities in ENI territories, objectives as well as the direct and indirect benefits of this project on the social and economic level.  Mr. Dory Abou Saab presented the results of the survey that showed a high demand for agents in international trade , Supply Chain Management  and logistics operations.

The attendees took part in the discussions and expressed full involvement and support for the project goals on the level of training programs, apprenticeship and mentorship program

YEP MED project “Youth Employment in the Ports of the Mediterranean" (2020-2023), is co-financed by the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) of the European Union and led by the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport (Spain), aims to develop port-logistics training and vocational (TVET) resources adapted to sector needs to strengthen youth employability for a Duration 30 months.