Combating corruption and promoting integrity across the private and public sectors are essential for building trust, accountability, and fostering an environment that supports sustainable and inclusive economic development. For over four decades, the OECD has led global anti-corruption efforts. The primary goals of its anti-corruption and integrity (ACI) initiatives are to strengthen reliable institutions and promote open, efficient, and inclusive markets.
The global fight against corruption must be strengthened
Corruption imposes severe costs that go far beyond losses from bribery, embezzlement, or fraud. When public officials accept bribes for awarding contracts, particularly in critical sectors like infrastructure, the damage extends to human suffering from substandard products and services, market disruption, hindered development, and diminished trust in governments and businesses. Additionally, countries lacking robust management of conflicts of interest, lobbying, and political financing face heightened risks of covert foreign interference, which can destabilise democratic systems.
Corruption is a constantly evolving threat, adapting with global shifts such as the demand for natural resources, rapid technological change, and emerging crises that create new opportunities for abuse. In this dynamic environment, governments and businesses must proactively manage these risks and intensify efforts to counter corrupt practices.
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