DCAF

DCAF Director, Ambassador Nathalie Chuard concluded a high-level visit to on May 19, aimed at bolstering strategic amidst shifting regional dynamics. The delegation's engagements with top Lebanese partners focused on discussing the institutional and enhanced in the areas of governance and reform.

The delegation met with Lebanese (LAF) Chief of Staff Major General Audi and senior officers to discuss outstanding constraints facing the LAF as it manages overstretched public mandates.

Ambassador Chuard welcomed Major General Audi’s designation as Lebanon’s new representative at the DCAF’s Foundation Council.. She reaffirmed DCAF's commitment to continuing to support LAF’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiatives, as well as the newly launched Mental Health and Psychosocial Support project.

The delegation also met with Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Tarek Mitri, to discuss the progress of DCAF’s sector reform programme in and its planned interventions. Discussions also covered priorities, and Lebanon’s regional position.

DCAF remains steadfastly committed to helping Lebanese state institutions uphold international standards during these challenging times.

Yesterday, DCAF attended the Annual General Assembly of the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland and Liechtenstein and connected with companies committed to implementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.
🔑 Three key reflections from the assembly:

1️⃣ A shared language for global challenges
As highlighted by Executive Director Antonio Hautle, the UN Global Compact is a vital link in the chain of multilateral . It provides a normative framework for companies, , and civil society, and because it spans organizations of all sizes, sectors, and origins, everyone within the network shares the same "language".
👉 The Network must continue to provide a common platform for developing consensus-based solutions to our most pressing global risks.

2️⃣ Resilience in the face of pushback
While the current economic and has created a visible push-back against ESG and , engagement within the and Network has held firm. This proves that companies see a clear return on investment, although it should not be taken for granted.
👉 The Network must continue to innovate and develop , tools, and opportunities that are essential for companies navigating complex risks.

3️⃣ Elevating security, , and due diligence
In high-risk environments, standard corporate is not enough. Throughout its 10 Principles, the UN Global Compact sets clear expectations for companies to ensure conflict-sensitivity – including actively assessing how corporate assets, arrangements, and financial footprints impact local and . However, more can be done to ensure mainstreaming security and conflict prevention in the Principles and work streams, such as:
👉 Lifting heightened due diligence and conflict prevention out of the work stream and across all work streams like sustainability reporting, labour, supply chains.

🔎 Missed our May webinar on ? We will be sending out a summary + all the presentations in the next few days! Stay tuned.

📅 DCAF will also participate in the UNGC European Social Peer Learning Platform in on 23-24 June, gathering member companies and experts from , the and .

Thank you to the organizers and fellow members for an inspiring and forward-looking assembly.