Beirut – 9 December 2021, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the European Union (EU) in Lebanon, will launch a monthly web series with civil society representatives and independent experts titled “Knowledge for Accountability”. This coincides with the International Anti-Corruption Day, which is annually commemorated worldwide on 9 December. The 2021 global campaign themed “Your right, your role: say no to corruption” highlights the role of stakeholders and individuals in preventing and countering corruption to contribute to sustainable development.

In the same spirit, the web series that is being launched in Lebanon will examine key anti-corruption reform issues and priorities in the country. These include public procurement, asset recovery, anti-illicit enrichment, forensic Audit, banking secrecy and the declaration of assets and interests by public officials, among others. The aim is to contribute to raising public awareness and bridging the knowledge gap on these important topics, which are key to the ongoing debate and efforts on reform, recovery, and reconstruction in Lebanon. Each episode will provide accessible and actionable information on a specific topic, in a manner that allows citizens and non-specialized viewers to formulate their own positions, track progress and identify elements for additional advocacy and follow up.

The designated guest speakers will be reflecting on the existing legal framework for each topic, including recent reforms when applicable, in addition to the state of implementation of related laws, and the next steps needed to see through concrete results for the people of Lebanon. The series will be broadcasted and disseminated online on UNDP Lebanon’s YouTube channel for accessibility and for the benefit of a wider audience.

“Upholding principles such as integrity, accountability and transparency will allow a society to equip itself in order to stand up against corruption. Failing to do so will result in public money being misused and essential services not reaching the citizens,” said Said Rein Nieland, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Lebanon. “We, the European Union will continue to raise awareness on the negative effects of corruption and the urgent need to encourage the fight against it”.

“Taking action against corruption comes high on the list of priorities in Lebanon, especially that it is at the core of the reforms needed to build the country forward,” said Celine Moyroud, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon. “We are hoping that these web series will contribute to the increase in knowledge on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and will start a momentum for accountability and transparency.”

This series of talks is part of the new partnership between UNDP and the European Union to support anti-corruption reforms and the inclusive, effective and coordinated implementation of the country’s first-ever national anti-corruption strategy (2020-2025) adopted in May last year. The series also draws on UNDP’s partnership with Executive Magazine to expand the reach of a national dialogue on systemic corruption challenges in Lebanon and the paths to overcome them, all through evidence-based analyses and forward looking recommendations.

For more information, please contact

In UNDP – Lebanon        |  Rana Moughabghab   |  rana.moughabghab@undp.org   | +961 3 835 351

Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon     |  Wisam Kassem   | Wisam.Kassem@eeas.europa.eu   | Direct WhatsApp: +45 4241 0849

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