Smart Municipality Academy
Budget
€32,100
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
1
0.5 FTE
EU Grants
€18,000
Mission & Goals
Smart Municipality Academy (SMA) is a Lebanese NGO founded in 2021 and officially registered under decree #990. Driven by our vision, "Empowering Lebanon: A Vision of Sovereign Governance and Strong Local Communities," SMA is committed to advocating for robust, sovereign, and equitable governance at the national level, while simultaneously strengthening local communities. Our core objectives include: • Promoting sustainable development • Advancing sovereign governance and transparency in municipalities • Enhancing access to information by creating digital platforms that ensure open, public access to municipal data • Empowering local communities through education and capacity building • Supporting anti-corruption efforts • Raising public awareness about municipal governance and civic engagement • Providing municipalities with the necessary tools to foster transparent decision-making and accountability
EU Legislative Interests
Our organization aims to influence and contribute to the following key EU policies and legislative initiatives: National Anti-Corruption Strategy (Lebanon) – supported through EU-funded actions Proposal for a Regulation on a Single Market for Digital Services (Digital Services Act) Communication from the Commission on the European Youth Strategy 2019-2027 EU Digital Transformation Policy and Open Government Partnership initiatives EU policies on Access to Information and Proactive Disclosure in public administration Community-Led Monitoring and Local Governance frameworks supported by EU development programs These policies guide our work on transparency, anti-corruption, good governance, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and community participation, particularly in the Lebanese municipal context.
Communication Activities
Smart Municipality Academy communication activities have been strategically designed to support and promote EU policies on anti-corruption, transparency, good governance, digital transformation, and youth empowerment, particularly aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy of Lebanon and the EU Youth Strategy. Key communication activities include: Development and Launch of Municipal Websites: We developed and launched websites for several Lebanese municipalities across Lebanon designed to enhance civic engagement, transparency, and proactive disclosure of public information. These platforms provide accessible information to citizens and promote open governance in line with EU policies on digital transformation and access to information. Workshops and High-Level Events: We organized a major workshop on Municipal Transparency Indicators in collaboration with transparency International - Lebanon, conducted after developing it for the first time in lebanonn along an extensive research on Lebanese transparency laws. This event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Interior and Municipalities and attended by the Anti-Corruption Programs Manager, EU Delegation to Lebanon, alongside national committees and authorities. The workshop aimed to strengthen local governance and public accountability, aligning with National Anti-Corruption Strategy (Lebanon), which is supported by EU-funded actions. Youth Bootcamps: We conducted targeted bootcamps for undergraduate and freshly graduated youth covering topics on transparency, good governance, and advocacy. These bootcamps contribute directly to the EU Youth Strategy by empowering young people with knowledge and skills to engage in governance processes and anti-corruption efforts. Monitoring and Evaluation Initiatives: We are actively involved in monitoring and evaluating aid distribution and public procurement during crises, with the objective to develop best practices and strengthen community-led oversight mechanisms. This work supports EU policies on proactive disclosure and community-led monitoring to foster resilient, transparent governance. Capacity Building and Awareness Campaigns: Through digital platforms and youth-led outreach, we are now working on a series of awareness campaigns focusing on good governance, transparency best practices, and public procurement integrity. These campaigns mobilize youth participation and utilize social media to amplify the impact of EU policy objectives at the grassroots level. Through our activities under the Bina’ project, we actively contribute to and seek to influence the implementation and further development of key EU policies and legislative frameworks related to anti-corruption, transparency, good governance, digital transformation, and youth empowerment, including the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (Lebanon), the EU Youth Strategy, the Digital Services Act, and related initiatives promoting open government and community-led monitoring.
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
As a grassroots initiative, we are not affiliated with any other entities at this time.
Organisation Members
We currently have five board members being: The President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Legal Representative
Additional Information
Our organization operates as a non-profit civil society entity with a strong focus on supporting local governance and municipal transparency. Through our projects, we promote civic engagement, public participation, and accountable practices at the municipal level—particularly in underserved and rural communities.While we engage in project implementation, our funding is primarily sourced from grants. We do not represent commercial or business interests. Our interest representation activities are fully financed through project-related budgets and donor contributions. If needed, we can provide more detailed financial documentation upon request.
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.