INTRODUCTION
This first working paper comes at a time when the need for time-critical, high quality, and high integrity scientific data has become primordial to effectively move forward in the emergency response efforts in Beirut, Lebanon. The authors and co-signatories of this paper and those to come in this series have responded to this realization by offering a flashlight into the ongoing web of disinformation with a commitment to contribute to the growing repository of intellectual capital in the name of Beirut and Lebanon.

OBJECTIVES OF THIS WORKING PAPER & SERIES
We have written this working paper and future papers of this series for a diverse audience of stakeholders and decision-makers, from donor governments and institutional investors, to the local ecosystem, international agencies, the private sector, and the private citizens of Lebanon. Five key objectives have scoped the design of our research mission and have guided the writing of this working paper series: (1) Bringing voice to the local ecosystem on the ground; (2) Understanding under-funded emergency needs; (3) Investigating how humanitarian capital flows are at risk of causing harm if we are not mindful and careful; (4) Framing an initial framework and blueprint for authentic, time-critical, and impactful social investment capital flows; and (5) Presenting a research pilot to inform the commissioning of a full-fledged ecosystem research mission.

The detailing of these objectives can be found in the dedicated section, Objectives of this working paper series.

METHODOLOGY
Supplementary to this first working paper, The Zovighian Partnership team is publishing a methodology brief on key considerations when conducting data efforts and research on the ground in a volatile, urgent, and emergency environment. As such, the methodology for this working paper series puts these considerations into practice.

Our methodology examines three levels of data collection: (1) Mezzo-level data through exploratory focus group discussions that recruited strategic minds from the local Lebanese ecosystem that are managing the response efforts on the ground; (2) Observational fieldwork notes from the devastated areas; and (3) Strategy working sessions to analyze data points and propose next steps. The methodological data designed and collected from our focus group participants helped ensure that we honor the high participatory, self-determination design principles of this research exercise. This and future working papers are co-signed by these research participants, who were also included in the review and sign-off of key sections of this working paper.

The detailing of these designed data levels can be found in the dedicated Methodology section of this working paper to learn more about the research design and limitations of our data, data collection, data analysis and strategic recommendations, and opportunities for further research.

FRAMING A SOCIAL INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT FOLLOWING THE BEIRUT EXPLOSION DEVASTATED AREAS & LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF LEBANON
Defining and activating an ethical and long-term national social investment strategy is primordial to enabling strategic, and vision-directed humanitarian capital and investments flows into Beirut and Lebanon.

Proposing, iterating, and establishing such a framework will take significantly more effort and will require the introduction of alternative political and diplomatic mechanisms, in the absence of a trustworthy caretaker government and capable state institutions. As such, the risks are plentiful and need to be raised on high alert so that all stakeholders are mindful of what is at stake. However, we recognize the tragic privilege of this bulldozed open-air laboratory in the heart of Beirut as a humbling stage to pool together capital in the forms of innovation, collaboration, and a re-invented Made in Lebanon trademark to establish new institutions, modi operandi, and cultures of citizenship and execution.

Our framework to define the governance of humanitarian capital and investments inflows into Beirut and Lebanon proposes a bringing together of ten lenses that need to be appreciated as each part of a whole. In other words, when one is not intentionally designed and activated into future funding efforts, the potential for risks and threats will continue to exist. These ten lenses are: (1) Financial sustainability; (2) Assets-based development; (3) Systems-thinking; (4) Evidence-centricity; (5) High participatory self-determination; (6) Inclusivity; (7) Community dignity & preservation; (8) Do not harm; (9) Value factor of time; and (10) Opportunity cost.

This working paper defines each of these lenses, providing a blueprint for how to think about each lens over time, from salvaging and rebuilding Beirut in the current state of emergency, to transitioning into a needed phase of capacity-building, to eventually graduating into a stage of matured institutionalization. Evidence of the essentiality of each lens is also presented, highlighting both the potential of getting it right and signs of threats and risks that need to be addressed urgently and seriously.

This framework comes at a time when the trust crisis continues to deepen. The local ecosystem is continuing to serve on the frontlines with very little lung capacity and are being asked to cover and compensate for the absence of a state and the inefficiencies of existing public players on the ground.

The management and alleviation of the aftermath of the Beirut Explosion is requiring donor governments and international agencies to do so much more than their systems, governance, and capacities allow due to the lack of effective public counterparts. In the midst of this unique “fog of war”, we also recognize that Lebanon is not able to give the strong needed impression of being a space for other needed potential donors and investors to step in.

As such, this working paper is a proposed first step that blends scientific data and methodology with strategic thinking, representing a diversity of By Lebanon voices so that we may ensure that trust is invested in as a long-term asset, key to the recovery of this country.

CRITICAL NEXT STEPS
This proposed first draft is also a welcome mat, inviting all stakeholders to participate in taking it further, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are accounted for and represented, including other members of our local ecosystem, donor governments, institutional donors, international agencies, as well as the private sector and our affected Beirut communities.

The authors and co-signatories of this first working paper also look very forward to sharing with you further publications in this series. We invite the ecosystem to join us for upcoming research sessions.

We welcome your deep listening ears, hearts, minds, and feedback. Only together can we assure the future, sustainability, and peace of Beirut and Lebanon.