Action for Rural Economic Development About the Program Action for Rural Economic Development, ARED, is a consortium funded by the European Union, comprised of three NGOs: We World-Gruppo Di Volontariato Civile, Fondazione Giovanni Paolo II, and The Nawaya Network. Through ARED, we worked to promote local economic development in North East Bekaa, by:Improving efficiency of agricultural production, mainly the fruit value chainIncreasing competitiveness in domestic and international marketsCreating income generation and job opportunities in the agri-food sectorPromoting the adoption of best practices in quality management systems and climate-smart agricultureStrengthening the capacity of public institutionsSupporting micro, medium, and small enterprises and start-ups. The ARED aimed to generate work opportunities in the region by:Revitalizing and diversifying the local economy in targeted sectorsReaching new marketsWorking to make the local economy shock resilient notably targeting women and youthStrengthening the capacities of local actors to engage in the promotion of local economic development while encouraging stability and participatory action in the region. The ARED program concluded in March 2025, here are some of the program highlights. Persons received BD training 0 MSMEs pitched their business ideas 0 MSMEs received 1:1 coaching 0 Of all MSMEs are female-led 0 % Of all MSMEs are youth-led 0 % MSMEs received grants 0 MSMEs were supported with 1 on 1 business coaching 0 Generated by 87 MSMEs $ 0 Youth received job orientation 0 Persons received mentoring 0 Youth received employment training 0 Of 43 youth found work 0 % Consortium Partners Action for Rural Economic Development is funded by the European Union, implemented in partnership with We World-Gruppo Di Volontariato Civile, Fondazione Giovanni Paolo II.