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Hoda from Lebanon shares her experience in the Shiraka Programme
Publication date 23-02-2026, 13:26
At the National Academy we are proud to welcome participants from across the MENA region through the Shiraka programme, strengthening their expertise in public financial management. One of these professionals is Hoda from Lebanon, who recently participated in the Shiraka Public Financial Management programme at the National Academy.
We spoke with Hoda about her background, her work at the Ministry of Finance in Lebanon, and her experience in the Shiraka programme.
From Tax Department to Macroeconomic Forecasting
Hoda has been working at the Lebanese Ministry of Finance since 2009. After spending 15 years in the Tax Department, she moved to the Budget Directorate in 2023, where she now works in the Macroeconomic and Research Department.
Her department plays a crucial role within the ministry.
“Our main work is to analyse and forecast the budget. We prepare macroeconomic forecasts, the medium-term fiscal framework, and many of the official reports of the Ministry of Finance.
Some of these reports are published and submitted to Parliament. We are a small department, but we try to do the best we can.”
Following Lebanon’s recent crises, several experienced colleagues left the ministry. As a relatively new member of the department, Hoda was encouraged by colleagues to apply for the Shiraka programme.
“They told us: everyone in this department should join this programme one day. Everything we learn here is directly related to our job.”
“I believe I came at the perfect time”
The Right Programme at the Right Time
Although she had heard positive stories from colleagues who previously attended, Hoda was initially unsure what to expect.
“I was afraid it would be harder. But now everything is great. It’s good that I came in my third year in this department. I already have some knowledge and experience, and now I’m combining everything together. It’s more useful this way. I believe I came at the perfect time.”
A highlight for her was the project component of the programme.
“Before coming here, we were a bit afraid of the project. But when we saw what it was about, we were so happy. It’s exactly what we are doing every day. We could easily prepare 15 or 20 slides. It’s directly linked to our work.”
Learning Across Borders
The Shiraka Programme brings together professionals from different countries, creating a unique environment for exchange. Participants are deliberately seated in mixed groups.
“I’m not sitting with my colleague from Lebanon. At my table, there are participants from Morocco, Algeria and Iraq. Every time the lecturer explains how something is done in the Netherlands, we explain how it’s done in our countries.”
This exchange led to interesting discoveries.
“Sometimes it’s different from the Netherlands, but we found that many things are similar between our countries. For example, Lebanon and Morocco have a lot in common in the way we organise things.”
Hoda values this international dialogue as much as the lectures themselves.
“The lectures are very valuable. We met people with deep expertise, even a former ambassador. Without this programme, we would never have had the opportunity to meet them.”
Balancing Depth and Diversity
With a diverse group and a wide range of topics – from public financial management and budgeting to geopolitics – the programme covers a lot in a short amount of time.
Hoda, who is a lecturer herself, understands the challenge.
“Sometimes you can’t go very deep into one specific issue, because we are all from different countries with different systems. If you go too deep into one country’s case, it becomes difficult to manage the time. Maybe during the project presentations in Tunisia, there will be more opportunity to go deeper.”
Support and Hospitality
Hoda was also very appreciative of the guidance provided by the National Academy team.
“The support was perfect. They were very helpful before and during the programme. When we arrived at Schiphol, we had to wait for a long time at customs. They stayed in contact with us and made sure we were okay.”
She also enjoyed discovering The Hague, including a guided walk from the National Academy to the Dutch Parliament.
“It was a beautiful route. It’s nice to see the surroundings as well.”
And as a cyclist, she had one additional highlight:
“In Lebanon, we mostly train indoors because it’s not safe on the roads. Here, seeing people cycle everywhere makes me emotional. The roads are made for bikes. It’s amazing.”
Professional and Personal impact
Beyond new knowledge and insights, the programme helped Hoda reflect on the importance of her work.
“We do our job every day, and sometimes it feels routine. But when I shared our work with others, I realized how important it is. Every individual in our department is doing a huge job for our country.”
On a personal level, the experience also brought something unexpected:
“I had a few calm days I’ve never had before. Even though we are active and learning a lot, it gave me space to think.”
Looking Ahead
For Hoda, the Shiraka programme has been a meaningful step in her professional development.
"I am looking forward to the second part of the program, where we will present and discuss our personal experiences."
We thank Hoda for sharing her inspiring story and wish her continued success in strengthening public financial management in Lebanon.
Her story is a reminder of how international exchange and professional learning can bring new insights, practical tools, and renewed motivation for participants and their organisations.
The reception at the Hilton in The Hague marked the end of the first week of the programme. In an informal setting, participants looked back on an intensive and valuable week.