The Lebanese Energy Governance Alliance, in partnership with PWYP (Publish What You Pay), organized a press conference at Citea Beirut to announce the election of 6 members and their representating CSOs (Civil Society Organisations) as part of the MSG (Multi-Stackholders Group ) of the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative).The EITI is a global standard to promote good governance in the extractive sector.

EITI implementing countries establish a multi-stakeholder group (MSG) – comprised of representatives from government, companies, and civil society that often plays a key role in advocating for a country to join the EITI; The relationship between companies, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the government is formalised in the multi-stakeholder group (MSG).

Today Lebanon is on the right track to launch his MSG; additional effort is recommended to finalize the board and start a real plan towards a solid and strong group to support and endorse any sustainable energy plan.

During the press conference, Mr. Maroun Khouli annouced the newly elected 6 members for a term of 4 years.
Official 3 representatives from CSO to the EITI – MSG:

  • Josephine Zgheib
  • Nabil Awad
  • Maroun Khawli

Also he announced 3 alternate members:

  • Walid Seifeddine
  • Fadwa Nassif
  • Rami Salem

He declared that the election of civil society representatives in MSG will set the stage for a real partnership in the political and administrative decision between the executive authority and civil society, and this is a positive and historical penetration in our political and administrative life, and we will work to succeed, generalize and preserve it through a real representation of civil society demands when we will fight the corruption for a transparent future making sure to build and develop a strong and sustainable transparent society.

Elected members assured also that they want to use the EITI MSG to ensure that country resources are developed and managed in a transparent manner for the sustainable benefits of our people and local communities, with the hope that EITI’s Multi-Stakeholder Group will facilitate real dialogue and commitment to reform.

While nomination of CSO representatives at MSG is an important achievement, it is only the first step of what will be a longer and broader process of transformation of how extractive industries are governed in Lebanon. This process will increase transparency along the entire extractive industries value chain and allow stakeholders to make informed decisions about trade-offs in sustainable development of natural resources.

Read the Press Conference in Arabic – CLICK HERE