Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Monday called for sweeping reforms and the restoration of state sovereignty as he addressed the press ahead of a major donor conference scheduled to take place later in the day at the Grand Serail in Beirut.

The event, titled “Rebuilding Lebanon: Investment Framework and Business Opportunities,” is set to bring together international donors and stakeholders to discuss mechanisms for coordinating aid and rebuilding the war-hit country. The gathering comes amid renewed government efforts to repair relations with donor nations and institutions, and to revive Lebanon’s economy following years of political paralysis, financial collapse, and mounting security threats.

Speaking before the official start of the conference, Salam said Lebanon’s financial meltdown was the result of “poor governance and a culture of impunity,” warning that the country is confronting “enormous challenges.”

He blamed Israeli airstrikes for the destruction of vital infrastructure and disruption of civilian life in recent months, but praised the resilience of the Lebanese people.

“The Lebanese have stood firm with determination, as have businesses and institutions, even in the face of collapse,” Salam said.

Reasserting Lebanon’s sovereignty, the prime minister said, is key to restoring investor confidence.

“Rebuilding trust begins with reclaiming our sovereignty and ensuring judicial independence. This will create an environment conducive to investment,” he said, stressing the importance of arbitration mechanisms in jumpstarting judicial processes.

Salam also announced that security forces had dismantled over 500 weapons depots in southern Lebanon and bolstered safety measures at Beirut’s airport. Salam added that the government is actively working through diplomatic channels to pressure Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanese territory and withdraw from five disputed border points.

On the economic front, Salam said his government is moving ahead with reforms in the banking sector and has achieved progress in delivering justice to depositors, citing in particular the passage of financial reform legislation, including changes to banking secrecy laws.

The prime minister also emphasized cooperation with the international community to secure the safe return of Syrian refugees. He said the government is preparing a fair legal framework to restore confidence in the financial system and ensure the rights of depositors.

Efforts are also underway to reclaim control over Lebanon’s points of entry and exit.

“We are particularly focused on Beirut airport and are preparing to reopen Qlayaat Airport,” he said.

Looking ahead, Salam announced that Lebanon is preparing to transition to a new phase of governance, driven by artificial intelligence.

“We are in the process of creating a new Ministry for Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technologies,” he said.

As part of broader reconstruction and revitalization efforts, Salam highlighted government initiatives to preserve Lebanon’s cultural heritage. These include the reopening of the National Library and the restoration of Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium.

“We believe that sports play an essential role in national life,” he said.

The prime minister also noted that Lebanon has secured funding for the “Aman” social safety net program and obtained a reconstruction loan from the World Bank.

“There is still much to be done,” he said, adding that two more international conferences are scheduled in the coming months to continue mobilizing support.

Concluding his address, Salam said that Lebanon’s greatest asset is its people.

“The Lebanese are capable of remarkable creativity. Governance should not be so rigid that it stifles innovation, nor should it rely on sectarianism,” he said, calling for full implementation of the Taif Agreement and reaffirming the importance of safeguarding the freedoms enshrined in the Lebanese Constitution.