Resident Coordinator's Opening Remarks at the launch of the 2nd progress report on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2020-2025)

Your Excellency, Prime Minister Mikati,  

Your Excellency, Minister of State Riachi,  

Excellencies, 

Distinguished guests, 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Today, we gather to mark the launch of the second progress report on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2020– 2025) in Lebanon, an important moment in our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability. 

Four years have passed since the inception of this strategy, which was developed through a consultative and inclusive process led by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) and supported by the United Nations, specifically the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The strategy is a roadmap for preventing corruption, promoting transparency, and establishing accountability across all sectors.

Despite Lebanon’s numerous challenges, the diverse representation in this room today— from public institutions, civil society, youth, academia, the private sector, and the media —underscores our shared belief in addressing corruption as the cornerstone for Lebanon’s reconstruction, recovery, and reform.

This second progress report underscores tangible progress made in preventing corruption, showcasing the Lebanese Government’s commitment to adopting the strategy and actively engaging all partners in monitoring and evaluating its implementation.

With the generous support of the European Union (EU) and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark (DANIDA), the UN stands alongside the Government of Lebanon in monitoring and reporting on anti-corruption progress. This milestone not only highlights achievements but also identifies areas for improvement to maximize impact in targeted areas. 

In the past four years, Lebanon has achieved concrete results such as the activation of the Public Procurement Law; the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC); and the initiation of corruption crimes investigations by the judiciary. Additionally, the Parliament enacted key legislations, such as law 175 in 2020 on combatting corruption in the public sector, the declaration of assets and interests and the punishment of illicit enrichment law, and the amendments to both the whistleblowers protection law and the access to information law. Civil society’s efforts and contributions have further bolstered the strategy’s implementation, with the invaluable engagement of Lebanon’s youth deserving special recognition.  

Yet, our journey against corruption is far from over. It demands sustained commitment, collective action, and unwavering determination from all sectors of society, including government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and the international community.

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,  

Moving forward, the UN, with our partners, remain steadfast in supporting effective coordination among all stakeholders responsible for implementing the national anti-corruption strategy. Central to this coordination is the Ministerial Anti-Corruption Committee headed by the Prime Minister, and its supporting Technical Committee, headed by the Minister of State for Administrative Reform.

Additionally, our support extends to the implementation of anti-corruption laws, with notable progress observed in asset and interest declarations received by the NACC, and its handling of complaints related to access to information.

However, as we continue to support the essential work of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, urgent attention is required to ensure the NACC is adequately staffed to fulfill its mandate effectively. To put things into perspective, only 3 out of 85 personnel have been assigned to NACC so far, which is a very low number. 

Furthermore, I would like to emphasize how the United Nations, through its various agencies and especially the UNDP, is actively enhancing its partnerships to address corruption in critical sectors that significantly affect people's daily lives. 

Notably, the programme has collaborated closely with the Lebanese University to conduct an assessment of corruption risks and develop an action plan that identifies key priorities and integrates specific digital measures to mitigate these risks. 

Our support has extended to the Beirut Execution Court, where we have assisted in mapping and assessing risks associated with the automated process of assigning cases to judges. And currently, we are expanding our assistance to include an ICT assessment of the court’s software and hardware systems, that will help enable the implementation of key priorities. These initiatives aim to identify digital solutions that prevent corruption in such initiatives and related processes.

As we reflect on the progress made and the challenges ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to combating corruption and fostering good governance in Lebanon. Together, let us work towards a future where transparency, accountability, and integrity prevail, laying the foundation for a more just and prosperous society for all. 

Thank you.