A Conversation with Lebanon's Minister of Finance, H.E. Yassine Jaber

Lebanon stands at a critical juncture in its ongoing economic and financial crisis. Recent passage of the bank restructuring law and efforts to finalize the financial gap law have raised hopes for long-delayed reforms. Yet important questions remain about the next steps in banking reform and talks with the IMF, the outlook for public revenues and expenditures, and the country’s broader economic prospects. At the same time, conflict and instability continue to impose a heavy human, social, and economic toll, particularly in southern Lebanon.

What is the outlook for Lebanon’s public finances through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027? What comes next for banking reform, the financial gap law, and negotiations with the IMF? What are the prospects for economic recovery? And what are the socioeconomic, security, and political challenges facing the people of southern Lebanon and the prospects for their recovery and reconstruction?

To explore these questions and more, please join the CSIS Middle East Program for a public webcast with H.E. Yassine Jaber, Minister of Finance of Lebanon. Minister Jaber will discuss Lebanon’s public finances, banking and financial reforms, talks with the IMF, and the broader economic outlook. As a member of the Council of Ministers and a longtime representative of southern Lebanon, he will also address the challenges facing communities in the South and the prospects for recovery and stabilization.

H.E. Yassine Jaber is Lebanon’s Minister of Finance. He previously served as Minister of Economy and Trade from 1995 to 1998 and as Minister of Public Works and Transport from 2004 to 2005. He was also a member of parliament from the Nabatieh district of South Lebanon between 1996 and 2022. He studied economics and business administration at the American University of Beirut. 

This event is online-only and will be livestreamed on this webpage.

This event is made possible by generous support to the CSIS Middle East Program from the embassies of Canada, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, and Ray Debbane, Nijad Fares and Joe Geagea.