Today’s episode is produced in partnership with the CGIAR Research Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration for a series that examines what works to improve the well-being of people in Fragile and Conflict Affected Settings. CGIAR is a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security.

We are calling this series “From Fragility to Stability” and in today’s episode I host a roundtable discussion with three experts about how social assistance can improve mental health in fragile settings.

You will hear from:

Michael Mulford, World Vision International

Adiam Hailemichael, World Bank economist

Melissa Hidrobo, Senior research fellow, IFRPRI

The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has sparked a rapidly unfolding displacement crisis in Lebanon. Over the past few weeks, as Israel intensified its strikes and launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, around 700,000 people have fled their homes. This is in addition to the 100,000 people who fled the region shortly after the October 7 attacks, which saw some exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah. In the last two to three weeks, what began as a limited conflict has sharply escalated, leading to this new displacement crisis.

Joining me to discuss the contours of this crisis and its potential impact on Lebanese society, politics, and security is Juan Gabriel Wells, the country director for Lebanon at the International Rescue Committee. As he explains, this new wave of displacement is layered on top of several other crises affecting Lebanon today, including a deep and ongoing economic catastrophe.

Today’s episode is produced in partnership with the CGIAR Research Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration for a series that examines what works to improve the well-being of people in Fragile and Conflict Affected Settings. CGIAR is a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security.

We are calling this series “From Fragility to Stability” and in today’s episode I host a roundtable discussion with three experts about how to better deliver humanitarian and social assistance in fragile settings

You will hear from:

• Kibrom Abay (IFPRI Senior Research Fellow - Development Strategies and Governance)

• Mitchell McTough (IWMI Postdoctoral Fellow – Water, Conflict & Resilience)

• Susanna Sandstrom (Senior Economist, Head of Economic and Markets Unit, World Food Program)

You can find this episode and other episodes that are part of this series on GlobalDispatches.org