Speaking on the importance of anti-corruption to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Parliamentarians from different political blocks interact with civils society activists from different organizations and movements

Lebanese Transparency Association calls for intensifying efforts to pass anti-corruption legislations

Political sectarianism and the weakness of control bodies are key drivers of impunity

Discussion on Lebanon’s need for coalitions to exercise pressure on decision makers

Members of the committee in charge of developing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy

Exploring the possibility of maximizing impact in light of the delicate political balance

Youth and their emerging role in shedding light on corruption and the waste of public funds

Intensifying efforts and focusing them on some sectors can make a difference

Call to continue the direct dialogue between concerned parties and establish joint initiatives

Roundtable Discussions on Anti-Corruption Priorities and Challenges in Lebanon

Beirut, Republic of Lebanon , 4/28/2016 - 4/28/2016

Organized by: UNDP-ACIAC in partnership with the Lebanese Transparency Association and the Lebanese Parliamentarians Against Corruption

The roundtable discussions took place in Beirut on 28 April 2016 with more than 50 participants in attendance including parliamentarians, civil society representatives, active judges and senior officials, and a number of independent experts and academics. The event provided a unique space in Lebanon for open direct discussions between representatives of different political blocks and civil society groups on anti-corruption priorities and challenges. Participants agreed that the country is experiencing socio-political changes that create new opportunities for action against corruption, including the growing role of the youth movements and civil society as a driver of public awareness and action; however, they also agreed that the obstacles remain numerous and obstinate, thus calling for broader and stronger coalitions and the development of innovative and catalytic solutions. They cited delicate political balances, staunch sectarianism and structural weaknesses in oversight bodies as key challenges that need collective action. They also highlighted that the problem in Lebanon is not only poor law enforcement but also poor laws, and subsequently discussed the progress achieved towards the introduction of new legislation and the need to accelerate related efforts and expand the political and public support thereto, noting that laws alone will not be sufficient to make important breakthroughs in the fight against corruption. They also agreed, that while broad strategies are needed, there has to be more serious focus on specific sectors and problems for which the probability of success is higher and the impact thereof is relevant to citizens and reduces the costs of corruption for the economy of the country. Participants committed to continue and deepen this dialogue with a view to inform the development of broad strategic directions on the one hand, and identify actionable recommendations for joint action on the other.

Documentation:

Programme [English][Arabic]

List of Participants [English][Arabic]

Presentation on anti-corruption priorities and challenges in Lebanon_ Opening Session [Arabic]

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