OMSAR outlines strategy
to overhaul the public sector

Administrative reforms, fighting corruption, and digital transformation

The Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) has unveiled the broad outlines of its strategic roadmap for public sector reform, structured around three core pillars: administrative reform, anticorruption measures, and digital transformation.

OMSAR said that it is committed to revamping public administration by rebuilding institutional capacity, enforcing meritocracy, and tackling inefficient bureaucracy. The strategy calls for systemic reforms to enhance transparency, streamline operations, and promote citizen-centered services. Central to these reforms is a shift toward a transparent, merit-based hiring system for civil service positions, phasing out political and sectarian appointments.

OMSAR also announced the completion of a new framework for recruiting senior public officials, with implementation currently underway as part of a broader modernization effort.

OMSAR reaffirmed its dedication to implementing the existing National Anticorruption Strategy (NAS) while developing a new framework for the 2026–2030 period. Key priorities include revitalizing oversight bodies, enforcing accountability mechanisms, and backing ongoing investigations into financial crimes, the Beirut port explosion, and public fund mismanagement.

Several initiatives are under development:
• Launching a third progress report on the National Anticorruption Strategy
• Conducting a peer review under the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)
• Finalizing a Youth Action Plan
• Forming task teams on youth engagement, gender integration, private sector integrity, and sectoral corruption risk management.

OMSAR underscored the urgency of improving public access to information, digitizing government records, and promoting open governance. In its digital transformation agenda,

OMSAR called for fast-tracking the implementation of digital strategy by strengthening legal frameworks and enhancing digital infrastructure. The plan envisions modernizing public administration through the expansion of e-government services and the roll out of digitally accessible platforms for citizens.