The National Anti-Corruption Commission in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with the support of the European Union, the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark, and the Korean International Cooperation Agency “KOICA” successfully completed its annual action plan for 2023-2024. A strategic workshop titled “Activating the National Anti-Corruption Commission: Needs, Challenges, and Opportunities” was organized to launch the action plan. The workshop focused on finding ways to enhance the Commission’s work, particularly in light of the current socio-economic and political situation in Lebanon. This situation has resulted in an increased strain on public institutions to effectively carry out their roles, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The workshop, attended by representatives of partner countries and regional and international organizations, aimed to establish a joint platform of coordination between the Commission and global partners to strengthen its capacity to carry out its roles and responsibilities in accordance with the laws in force, public expectations, and Lebanon’s international obligations including that to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. The first session of the workshop reviewed Lebanon’s commitments to combat corruption and the role of the Commission in supporting these commitments. The second session focused on the requirements for activating the role of the Commission in the next phase and potential prospects for cooperation with all partners to achieve this goal. The discussion was based on the annual work plan for the year 2023-2024, which aims to support the development of the Commission’s capabilities. The President of the Commission, Judge Claude Karam, confirmed the Commission members’ commitment to performing their duties with independence and transparency that enhance citizens’ confidence in the Commission’s role in eradicating corruption. He emphasized the necessity of joining efforts to provide the support to activate the role of the Commission in combating, preventing, and monitoring corruption. Judge Karam thanked international organizations for supporting the rehabilitation and equipping of the Commission’s headquarters, building its website, and communication and media plan. Karam also reviewed the Commission’s new cooperative commitments and the desire of its members to continue opening up regionally and internationally to enhance expertise. His Excellency the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr. Ralph Tarraf, reiterated the need to empower the National Anti-Corruption Commission and properly implement and enforce relevant laws. He cited how these actions reflect positively through economic fallout, social justice, and political stability. Tarraf added that the culture of impunity needs to be overcome and that accountability should become the new normal. This can only be achieved by supporting and giving the right tools to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and ensuring the independence of the judiciary. From his end, His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, Mr. Kristoffer Vivike, showcased the Danish breakthrough experience in fighting corruption, citing cultural factors and structural incentives as key in achieving low corruption levels in Denmark. He highlighted the critical role of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which Denmark will continue supporting, in bringing about cultural change in Lebanon. Vivike also stressed that anti-corruption is a shared responsibility, not one that solely falls on the Commission’s shoulders. His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Park Il described the National Anti-Corruption Committee as one of the top priorities of his country at the national, regional and international levels. He went on to detail the support the Republic of Korea has continued providing since 2019, through the partnership between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNDP, to 7 Arab countries, including Lebanon, to enable stakeholders to develop and implement required laws in line with international standards, institutionalize corruption prevention and mobilize knowledge and capacity. Ambassador Park also expressed how pleased he feels that the country-level anti-corruption project in Lebanon is now being implemented, building on the outcomes and achievements of the KOICA-UNDP regional project. UNDP’s Resident Representative, Ms. Melanie Hauenstein, emphasized the importance of renewing the focus on reform in Lebanon, particularly in relation to transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption, through this strategically important workshop. She stated that the success of recovery efforts is dependent on significant steps forward towards reform, including the full operationalization of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Ms. Hauenstein highlighted that using the joint roadmap of the action plan as a nationally owned evidence-based platform for coordination and partnership building between the NACC and international partners is crucial for ensuring that scarce resources are invested in an integrated and deliberate manner. This workshop is part of the ongoing cooperation between the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the United Nations Development Programme under the Anti-Corruption for Trust in Lebanon framework, which is funded by the European Union and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark. The aim of this initiative is to combat corruption and enhance prevention by institutionalizing and supporting the supervision of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, supporting the adoption and effective implementation of anti-corruption laws, activating and strengthening the capabilities of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and integrating mechanisms for managing corruption risks in key sectors. UNDP is working in Lebanon since 1986 as a development partner supporting economic recovery, working with municipalities to deliver basic services to host communities, promoting clean energy and solid waste management, strengthening governance and rule of law, providing support to elections, and working on empowering women and youth.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon