Lebanon's future is being decided now.

The objective of today's conference is to mobilise and join together the resources of the global community to respond to the needs of Beirut's population.

We are sending a clear message: we, the global community, Lebanon's closest friends and partners, will not let the Lebanese people down.

For the people of Lebanon, the most immediate needs expressed by those working on the ground concern healthcare, food, education, and housing. Those are the priority areas where we will act.

The efforts that we are providing will have to be supported over the long term, and we will be very attentive that the aid be efficiently delivered on the ground, to the population.

Our offer of help includes supporting a credible and independent impartial investigation of the explosion that took place on 4 August. It is a strong and legitimate expectation of the Lebanese people. It is a question of trust.

The Lebanese people are free and sovereign. It is up to the authorities of the country to act in such a way as to prevent Lebanon from falling, and to respond to the aspirations expressed by the Lebanese people in this very moment, legitimately, in the streets of Beirut.

Lebanon's future is being decided now, by Lebanon itself, and with its international partners at its side.