Roundtables are generally half-day to one-day events that include senior defence officials, procurement officials, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, defence companies and the media. Their objective is to ensure active participation and information exchange by participants.  Civil Society can play an important role in these events. Exposing defence equipment procurement plans to public debate, especially for the first time, may seem strongly counter-intuitive to officials used to confidentiality; however, in our experience, this initial reaction can be overcome.

However, roundtable discussions connect internal and external stakeholders, engaging a wide range of people on important aspects of defence and security planning. Roundtables help to ensure integrity and public confidence in the defence procurement process. Roundtables can be a good first step in building a relationship between defence and security establishments and civil society.

Upcoming major procurements or current defence scandals often create the impetus to organise a roundtable to discuss the issue of corruption in the defence sector generally. Roundtables should be tailored to fit the local context, issues, and culture. Transparency International's Defence and Security Programme (TI DSP) can provide guidance for local civil society organisations, especially national chapters of Transparency International, who are interested in hosting a roundtable. We can provide a programme, advice on whom to invite, subjects to discuss, the core subject expertise.

Counter Corruption Example: 2007's Roundtable in Croatia

Transparency International Croatia hosted a roundtable meeting in February 2007 on the topic of 'curbing corruption in defence procurement.' This came about in response to a major upcoming armoured vehicles procurement. The event was held under the patronage of the President and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and speakers included members of Transparency International Croatia, TI DSP, the Defence Affairs Advisor to the President of Croatia, and the Director of Ethics and Business Conduct at Lockheed Martin. The event led to increased awareness of corruption issues among both officials and the public, and resulted in appeals for greater scrutiny of procurement.

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