In a significant step toward promoting a transparent and accountable public sector in Lebanon, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the American University of Beirut (AUB), through the University’s Government Engagement Platform, signed a strategic partnership agreement via a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding. The signing ceremony was held at the headquarters of the National Anti-Corruption Commission in Beirut, bringing together representatives from both the Commission and the University to reaffirm their joint commitment to embedding anti-corruption principles at the core of education, governance, and public engagement.
The agreement reflects the shared commitment of AUB and the Commission to collaborate on a wide range of initiatives aimed at generating knowledge, building sustainable capacities, and empowering youth. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, both parties join efforts to promote a culture of integrity, prevent corruption, and contribute to Lebanon’s long-term institutional resilience.
The Commission was represented at the ceremony by its President, Judge Claude Karam; Vice President Dr. Fawaz Kabbara; Judge Therese Allawi; Dr. Ali Badran; Dr. Joe Maalouf; and Dr. Kleib Kleib. Leading the AUB delegation were President Dr. Fadlo Khoury, Provost Dr. Zahir Daou, Co-Chairs of the University Government Engagement Platform Dr. Fadi Jerdali and Dr. Joseph Bahout, and Platform Advocacy and Engagement Officer Zeina Sleem.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Commission and AUB will work together to strengthen academic and policy approaches to combating corruption. This includes jointly developing educational content, particularly designing university programs on anti-corruption and transparency to be integrated into undergraduate and graduate curricula. Beyond the classroom, the MoU envisions youth-led networks that promote civic responsibility and ethical leadership.
The partnership will also facilitate the organization of national conferences, workshops, and expert training sessions. Special emphasis will be placed on research collaboration, particularly in updating Lebanon’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy over the next five years. The parties plan to leverage the University’s academic centers and faculties alongside the Commission’s institutional expertise to ensure the production of high-quality research on anti-corruption practices.
Additionally, the MoU allows AUB students to participate in internships or project-based learning programs within the Commission, providing them with direct exposure to public sector procedures and ethical governance challenges.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Karam welcomed Dr. Fadlo Khoury and the accompanying delegation, highlighting the importance of the Commission’s collaboration with all sectors, beginning with educational institutions, particularly AUB. President Khoury, in turn, affirmed AUB’s support for the Commission’s mission to combat corruption, promote a culture of integrity and transparency, and ultimately contribute to building a better Lebanon.
