National Program Launched to Govern Public Sector Boards and Leadership

The Ministry of State for Administrative Development inaugurated the national program for governance of boards and leadership in the public sector by holding the first discussion session focused on "Governance of Public Procurement and Contract Oversight." The event was attended by newly appointed representatives from boards and regulatory bodies and was organized by Transparency International - Lebanon in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.

The opening session was led by Dr. Jean Alia, Chair of the Public Procurement Authority, who reviewed the fundamental principles underpinning the public procurement law and best governance practices. Participants included the chairpersons and board members of the Beirut Port Authority, Tripoli Port Authority, the Higher Customs Council, the General Directorate of Customs, and the National Authority for Solid Waste Management. The session featured an interactive discussion that allowed attendees to exchange views and experiences regarding practical challenges and mechanisms to enhance transparency and efficiency in procurement oversight.

This session marks the launch of the national program initiated by the Ministry of State for Administrative Development aimed at building the capacities of newly appointed leadership within state institutions, enabling them to perform their duties according to the highest governance standards. The program comprises ten integrated modules covering governance foundations for public institutions, roles and responsibilities of boards, the legal framework regulating their work in Lebanon, principles of strategic leadership, planning, performance supervision, and other topics that strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of boards in serving the public interest.

The program prioritizes recent appointments to boards of public institutions, regulatory bodies, first-category positions, and other leadership roles within the public sector. It will gradually expand to include broader leadership categories in the public sector with the goal of promoting governance practices, standardizing terminology, and establishing a shared understanding of governance standards across public institutions.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Fadi Maki, Minister of State for Administrative Development, emphasized that "appointment alone is insufficient; the primary challenge remains enhancing the capacities of these leaders and equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to perform their duties efficiently and responsibly." He added, "This program aims to prepare new leaders to fulfill their responsibilities effectively from day one. It is designed to serve as a shared space for learning, experience exchange, and building a unified administrative language, contributing to the development of state institutions' performance and the consolidation of sound governance principles."