Fighting Corruption: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding

What is corruption?

Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It takes many forms, from petty bribery to embezzlement and influence peddling. It weakens institutions, distorts markets, and undermines trust.

Forms of corruption

• Bribery and kickbacks
• Embezzlement and fraud
• Patronage and nepotism
• Influence on policy for private gain

Consequences

Corruption reduces government effectiveness, raises costs for businesses and citizens, and fuels inequality. It also undermines the legitimacy of public institutions.

Why fighting corruption matters

A credible fight against corruption strengthens growth, public service delivery, and equal opportunity. It also protects democracy by upholding the rule of law and accountability.

Economic impact

Corruption raises the cost of doing business, diverts public funds from essential services, and distorts investment signals.

Social trust and democracy

When leaders and officials act transparently, trust rises. When they don’t, citizens lose faith in institutions and governance declines.

Key strategies to fight corruption

Fighting corruption requires clear rules, strong institutions, and active civic participation. Below are widely supported pillars.

Strong institutions and rule of law

Independent courts, secure tenure for officials, and enforceable anti-corruption laws create the baseline for accountability.

Transparency and accountability

Open budgets, public dashboards, and routine auditing help deter misuse of resources and reveal misconduct.

Independent oversight and whistleblower protections

Safeguards for reporters and whistleblowers encourage the reporting of wrong doing without fear of retaliation.

Public procurement reform

Competitive bidding, clear criteria, and post-award monitoring reduce the risk of waste and fraud in government purchases.

Digital governance and open data

Digitizing services and publishing data in accessible formats makes government actions more trackable and verifiable.

Roles for different actors

Governments

Set and enforce rules, invest in institutions, and protect rights to information and participation.

Businesses

Follow ethical standards, perform due diligence, and report misconduct through safe channels.

Civil society and media

Monitor, investigate, and publicize corruption risks; support whistleblower protections.

Citizens

Stay informed, engage with accountability mechanisms, and speak up when problems arise.

What you can do

Stay informed

Follow credible sources, review budgets and procurement notices, and understand how public funds are used.

Support transparency initiatives

Join or donate to watchdog groups, open data projects, and freedom of information efforts.

Speak up safely

Report concerns through established channels and seek assurances against retaliation.