[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":328},["ShallowReactive",2],{"news-fighting-corruption-for-global-peace-and-stability-peter-maurer039s-speech-at-summit-for-democracy-event-in-bulgaria-2410":3,"news-fighting-corruption-for-global-peace-and-stability-peter-maurer039s-speech-at-summit-for-democracy-event-in-bulgaria-2410-similar":84,"i-heroicons:arrow-left-20-solid":323},[4],{"id":5,"status":6,"date_created":7,"date_updated":8,"title":9,"type":10,"body":11,"date":12,"topic":13,"slug":15,"activity":16,"nid":20,"topics":21,"activities":22,"programme":23,"area":23,"websites":24,"language":23,"image":26,"translation_of":23,"countries":38,"tags":62,"authors":63,"images":81,"translations":82,"content":83},10350,"published","2023-03-22T11:01:30.000Z","2026-04-15T22:28:51.000Z","Fighting corruption for global peace and stability – Peter Maurer's speech at Summit for Democracy event in Bulgaria","Blog","In a speech at the [Anti-Corruption and National Security policy forum](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fnode\u002F2405) in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Basel Institute's President Peter Maurer commended how the Summit for Democracy is finally putting corruption at the centre of the debate about global peace and stability. He called on leaders in government, civil society and the private sector to work together to turn their commitments into action.\n\nThe event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Justice of Bulgaria, the Basel Institute on Governance and the Center for the Study of Democracy. The three institutions co-lead the Summit for Democracy's [Democratic Cohort on Anti-Corruption Policies](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fanti-corruption-centre-stage-summit-democracy).\n\nPeter Maurer's address followed opening remarks by Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev and short speeches by other leading voices on anti-corruption, peace and democracy.\n\n> President Radev\n> \n> Honourable Ministers\n> \n> Excellencies\n> \n> Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues\n> \n> It is my pleasure to address this distinguished audience of political leaders, policy makers and practitioners that have gathered in Sofia.\n> \n> I wish to start by thanking the Government of Bulgaria for bringing us together and for leading this important cohort on anti-corruption policies in the context of the Summit for Democracy.\n> \n> The Summit for Democracy has kickstarted valuable discussions about the challenges that lie at the heart of some of today’s most pressing global issues. This engagement is particularly welcome at a time when multilateralism is under severe stress.\n> \n> At the Basel Institute, we appreciate the fact that corruption has been recognised as central to this debate.\n> \n> For too long, corruption has been treated as a technical problem to be solved by experts and limited to development contexts.\n> \n> By putting corruption squarely at the centre of the debate about global peace and stability, we are finally recognising its global dimensions. And we are acknowledging that technical solutions are not enough, but rather need unwavering political leadership at the highest level to stand a chance to reduce the devastating effect that corruption has on our world.\n> \n> And this is what is important about today’s event:\n> \n> Firstly, that it is bringing together political leaders from countries of the region to commit to implementing more effective anti-corruption policies.\n> \n> Secondly, that the countries represented today are committed to working together in the region and with countries from across the world.\n> \n> Corruption is not a problem of the few and it is not only a local phenomenon.  \n> \n> I would like to briefly reflect on the example of Bulgaria, with which we have worked for over a year now on strengthening its anti-corruption policy framework. In line with its aspirations to join the Schengen Area, the Eurozone and OECD, we have seen important multi-party efforts resulting in the adoption of the Whistleblower Protection Act, as well as numerous other initiatives which are under way.\n> \n> As we commend Bulgaria for these important efforts, we need further discussions on the way forward and how to leverage anti-corruption measures for a more equitable distribution of public resources, better quality of public services, safer roads, healthier businesses, and ultimately, higher trust in our public institutions and in the fundamental principles of democracy.\n> \n> At the same time, I want to emphasise that adopting laws and policies is not enough. It’s the implementation gap that has been slowing us down and which should be the focus of this gathering.\n> \n> What does that mean?\n> \n> *   We need to resource the responsible agencies properly.\n> *   We need to ensure they can operate independently and without interference and that staff do not have to fear reprisal or intimidation for doing their jobs.\n> *   Beyond that, it is vital that we implement the policies transparently and that we give civil society and the media the space and information that they need to be critical partners and play their role.\n> *   We also need to bring the private sector more prominently into our discussions. I am glad to see that we have a session later today dedicated to Collective Action and private-sector engagement. The best chance to growing our countries is through clean investments, fair competition and evidence-based innovation.\n> \n> The anti-corruption cohorts under the Summit for Democracy are an excellent illustration of the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement to combat corruption. The leaders of the two cohorts that we have supported – Bulgaria and Moldova – have both demonstrated foresight by reaching out to partners from civil society and academia in the very early stages of the Year of Action.\n> \n> In Bulgaria, this was the case with initial partners from the Office of the Prime Minister and now with the Ministry of Justice and our esteemed colleagues from the Center for the Study of Democracy. In Moldova, we have had the privilege of working alongside the Office of the President and the National Anti-Corruption Centre, together with our longstanding partners from Transparency International.\n> \n> In both cohorts, we have engaged in a truly collaborative effort, I would like to express our sincere thanks to our partners for this.\n> \n> With the Basel Institute on Governance, we remain committed to working with partners, in building resilient networks against corruption and thus pathways to a safer, more prosperous and more equitable future.\n> \n> Once again, let me express our appreciation to the Government of Bulgaria and our partners for bringing us together today. I wish you fruitful deliberations and look forward to hearing back from my team how we can take commitments forward into action.\n> \n> Thank you.\n\n### Learn more\n\n*   See more information about [anti-corruption under the Summit for Democracy](http:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fanti-corruption-centre-stage-summit-democracy)\n*   Watch a [short video produced by the two anti-corruption cohorts](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=8x-quSAziwE): Anti-Corruption Policies and International Cooperation for Anti-Corruption. It features short statements by the co-leaders:\n    *   Gretta Fenner, Managing Director, Basel Institute on Governance\n    *   Krum Zarkov, Minister of Justice of Bulgaria\n    *   Iulian Rusu, Director, National Anti-Corruption Centre, Moldova\n    *   Ruslan Stefanov, Program Director, Center for the Study of Democracy\n    *   Daniel Eriksson, CEO, Transparency International","2023-03-22",[14],"","fighting-corruption-for-global-peace-and-stability-peter-maurer039s-speech-at-summit-for-democracy-event-in-bulgaria-2410",[17,18,19],"Events","Insights","Partnerships",2410,[],[17,18,19],null,[25],"Main page",{"id":27,"storage":28,"filename_disk":29,"filename_download":30,"title":31,"type":32,"created_on":33,"modified_on":33,"charset":23,"filesize":34,"width":35,"height":36,"duration":23,"embed":23,"description":23,"location":23,"tags":23,"metadata":37,"focal_point_x":23,"focal_point_y":23,"tus_id":23,"tus_data":23,"uploaded_on":33},"2d4ef615-1fb6-4dfd-9977-302c40638d65","local","2d4ef615-1fb6-4dfd-9977-302c40638d65.webp","tmp.webp","Fighting corruption for global peace and stability – Peter Maurer's speech at Summit for Democracy event in Bulgaria","image\u002Fwebp","2025-05-12T21:15:32.000Z",104808,1400,933,{},[39],{"id":40,"news_id":41,"countries_id":56},7191,{"id":5,"status":6,"user_created":42,"date_created":7,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":8,"title":9,"type":10,"body":11,"image":27,"date":12,"topic":44,"slug":15,"activity":45,"nid":20,"topics":46,"activities":47,"programme":23,"area":23,"websites":48,"translation_of":23,"language":23,"countries":49,"tags":50,"authors":51,"images":53,"translations":54,"content":55},"03bebfd8-0b40-4a2a-820d-b9d9c13b9de6","3d9ff205-1640-4f34-b5b6-86977f51bbd6",[14],[17,18,19],[],[17,18,19],[25],[40],[],[52],1142,[],[],[],{"id":57,"name":58,"code":59,"latitude":60,"longitude":61},22,"Bulgaria","BG",42.73388,25.48583,[],[64],{"id":52,"news_id":65,"authors_id":77},{"id":5,"status":6,"user_created":42,"date_created":7,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":8,"title":9,"type":10,"body":11,"image":27,"date":12,"topic":66,"slug":15,"activity":67,"nid":20,"topics":68,"activities":69,"programme":23,"area":23,"websites":70,"translation_of":23,"language":23,"countries":71,"tags":72,"authors":73,"images":74,"translations":75,"content":76},[14],[17,18,19],[],[17,18,19],[25],[40],[],[52],[],[],[],{"id":78,"name":79,"position":23,"image":80},558,"Dr Peter Maurer","77976774-7119-48eb-9813-0979e38abf71",[],[],[],[85,110,136,165,188,212,241,266,290],{"id":86,"body":87,"status":6,"type":10,"date":88,"slug":89,"title":90,"image":91,"countries":92,"topic":93,"activity":94,"tags":96,"nid":97,"topics":98,"activities":99,"authors":100,"images":102,"websites":103,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":23,"translations":104,"translation_of":23,"user_created":42,"date_created":105,"user_updated":106,"date_updated":107,"content":108,"link":109},10309,"Peter Maurer became President of the Basel Institute on Governance in October 2022, succeeding the Basel Institute’s founder and President for nearly 20 years, Professor Mark Pieth.\n\nIn this short interview, Peter Maurer reflects on his decision to join the fight against corruption after 25 years as a Swiss diplomat and 10 as President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).\n\n### Why the pivot to corruption?\n\nThroughout my 35-year diplomatic and humanitarian career, I have seen in so many contexts how corruption and poor governance cause human suffering and impede progress towards peace and sustainable development. \n\nCorruption fuels and exacerbates humanitarian crises linked to war and armed conflict, food insecurity, health emergencies and the effects of climate change. It squanders funds intended for essential services like health and education, skews the incentives of leaders away from the best interests of citizens, and destroys trust in institutions. High corruption risks hinder access to foreign investment and markets, holding back economic development. \n\nAll these factors reduce the ability of states to meet the needs of their own citizens, in normal times as well as periods of crisis.\n\nAt the ICRC, we were mandated to assist and protect populations affected by armed conflict and violence and help them cope through humanitarian emergencies. Now, at the Basel Institute, I wish to focus on tackling some of the underlying causes of this human suffering: corruption and poor governance.\n\n### What is the link with international development assistance?\n\nI have seen first-hand the importance of good governance to make humanitarian and development cooperation programmes work effectively. \n\nCorruption diverts flows of aid and investment from those who most desperately need it, undermining human rights and jeopardising assistance programmes. In contexts of weak governance and kleptocracy, well-intentioned aid and development funds may even exacerbate corruption by pouring money into contexts of low transparency, accountability, coordination and oversight. Also, mere perceptions of high levels of corruption may erode support for humanitarian or other international assistance in a country. \n\nTargeting corruption helps ensure that aid and other development assistance provided by governments, charities and citizens around the world actually reach their goals. It directly supports efforts to protect the lives and dignity of people in vulnerable situations.\n\n### So anti-corruption is not just about corruption?\n\nAbsolutely not. Corruption affects the whole of society and fighting it is a collective responsibility.\n\nCorruption and the quality of governance impact fundamentally on our ability to reach each of the sustainable development goals. This is not just a problem of less developed or fragile states and contexts, but has deep impact on the global economy and the international cooperation system. When states abuse their geopolitical and economic leverage to unduly benefit their own interests to the detriment of others – well, that too severely impedes global progress towards peace and stability.\n\nThose of us who work in the “fields” of anti-corruption, humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, human rights, environmental conservation, etc., are all working on different parts of the same system, using different methods and methodologies to pursue their objectives. This plurality is important as it is critical to work in complementarity and to ensure the best possible impact of scarce resources.\n\n### Why the Basel Institute on Governance?\n\nFirst, for reasons of its long-standing dedication to countering corruption and improving standards of governance for the sake of people and our planet. The work of my 120 or so new colleagues has tangible and long-lasting impacts on people’s lives and livelihoods. That holds true whether they are facilitating the return of stolen assets, mentoring best practice in private-sector compliance, or applying anti-corruption tools to combat environmental crimes.\n\nSecond, for its political independence and agility and for its professionalism in dealing with complex political and societal issues. These are even more important in a highly polarised environment within many countries and in the international system overall.\n\nThird, for its position at the interface between technical excellence and policy advancement. The Basel Institute helps to bridge the gap between those on the front lines of fighting corruption and those taking decisions in high-level international fora and government cabinets. \n\nBut just as much as what the Basel Institute does, it is how it works and has developed methods to navigate difficult environments. \n\nThe basis of our work is always evidence – of what is or could be effective, what isn’t, how to tailor different anti-corruption approaches to different contexts and how to demonstrate change. The teams integrate prevention and enforcement, seek out windows of opportunity and work through partnerships and across stakeholder groups. \n\nPeople are always at the centre, to bring change and to benefit from the change. So are efforts to learn, share learning and improve together. \n\n### What will you bring to the Basel Institute’s work?\n\nI hope my experiences in international diplomacy and cooperation will help the Basel Institute to reach higher and wider in its work and to build broader support for its important endeavours. We can do more to push leaders to live up to their commitments and show pathways to do so through exemplary leadership.\n\nI hope my continued focus on people, sustainable development, peace and security will help us to have even greater impact on the ground in the longer term. \n\nAnd lastly, I hope also to continue building political and operational bridges between those who work on “tackling corruption” and those who labour tirelessly in other ways to help their fellow citizens live safe, prosperous and dignified lives.","2022-10-24","peter-maurer-on-corruption-sustainable-development-and-joining-the-basel-institute-on-governance-2295","Peter Maurer on corruption, sustainable development and joining the Basel Institute on Governance","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F456c28a2-af02-4d81-a4a9-33fa8e71d062?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14],[18,95],"Media releases",[],2295,[],[18,95],[101],1157,[],[25],[],"2022-10-24T10:01:23.000Z","b0662e2a-864d-4888-a1b7-4342b7570b30","2025-08-31T23:14:40.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fpeter-maurer-on-corruption-sustainable-development-and-joining-the-basel-institute-on-governance-2295",{"id":111,"body":112,"status":6,"type":10,"date":113,"slug":114,"title":115,"image":116,"countries":117,"topic":118,"activity":121,"tags":122,"nid":123,"topics":124,"activities":126,"authors":127,"images":129,"websites":130,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":23,"translations":131,"translation_of":23,"user_created":42,"date_created":132,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":133,"content":134,"link":135},10486,"Is financial crime really a security threat, as an increasing number of countries and experts now say? If so, in what sense? And what implications might that have for our efforts to fight it?\n\nThe issues around framing financial crime as a threat to national and international security were a key topic on the agenda of the first international Summit of the [Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gcffc.org\u002F) (GCFFC) in Stockholm, Sweden, on 10–11 September 2024.\n\nUnder the theme [Accelerating Cooperation](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gcffc.org\u002Fannual-summit-in-stockholm-sweden-10-11-september-2024-conference-materials\u002F), the event drew 140 financial crime fighters from a broad range of backgrounds, including law enforcement, financial intelligence units (FIUs), civil society, tech companies and banks.\n\nHans-Peter Bauer, Senior Advisor on AML\u002FCFT and former Board Member of the Basel Institute on Governance, chaired a panel on Financial Crime as a Security Threat together with:\n\n*   David Lewis, Managing Director and Global Head of Anti-Money Laundering Advisory at Kroll and former Executive Secretary of the FATF;\n*   Marcus Pleyer, Deputy Director General of the German Finance Ministry and former Chair of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF);\n*   Ian Tennant, Director of the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime; and\n*   Ilze Znotina, Chair of GCFFC Europe Chapter and former Head of the FIU of Latvia.\n\nThe panel discussed whether financial crime could and should be considered a serious threat to national and international security – and what the implications might be for political action against financial crime and the resources dedicated to it.\n\n### Financial crime causes immense harm\n\nThe discussion highlighted how financial crimes inflict terrible harm on individuals, societies and the global community. The damage goes well beyond the financial aspect.\n\nCrimes like corruption and fraud are not victimless, even if the victims are sometimes hard to identify. Financially motivated crimes like the trafficking of drugs, humans and weapons cause immense harm to individuals and threaten the stability and security of whole societies. The same is true for environmental crimes like the illegal trade in wildlife and timber, which are now finally being recognised as a form of financial crime.\n\nAnd as Markus Pleyer emphasised in a follow-up [social media post](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fposts\u002Fmarcus-pleyer-4658bb1b6_financial-crime-as-a-national-security-threat-activity-7240741506330882048-pzi_), financial crime feeds terrorist activity and aggression, fuelling conflict. Even in relatively peaceful areas of the world, he said:\n\n> Criminals can use their dirty money to exert economic or even political influence destabilising social order and subverting our state and economic structures.\n\nDespite the wide scope of meaning of the term “security”, the big picture is clear. It is vital to look not only at the monetary aspects of financial crime, but to consider the whole chain of actors involved in the crimes and the resulting impacts on peace, stability and social cohesion.\n\n### High profits for criminals, low rates of enforcement\n\nThe sheer scale of the impacts of financial crime is well illustrated in the GFCCC’s [information wall](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gcffc.org\u002Finformation-wall\u002F), whose latest version shows estimates of criminal activity and resulting illicit funds across a wide spectrum of crime typologies.\n\nYet detection and conviction rates for financial crime offences remain stubbornly low across the world. Estimates of the amount of illicit financial flows intercepted and recovered hover around 1 percent, as the [Basel AML Index](https:\u002F\u002Findex.baselgovernance.org\u002F)’s latest public report shows.\n\nThis gap led the panel – and many in the audience – to agree that a profound reform of the current system and approach to fighting financial crime is required.\n\n### Political implications\n\nOne political implication of recognising financial crime as a security threat is organisational. For example, Germany included the fight against financial crime into its [national security strategy](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationalesicherheitsstrategie.de\u002FNational-Security-Strategy-EN.pdf) in 2023. Among its measures will be the setup of a new [Federal Financial Crime Authority](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bundesfinanzministerium.de\u002FContent\u002FEN\u002FStandardartikel\u002FTopics\u002FPriority-Issues\u002FFinancial-Crime\u002Ffight-against-financial-crime.html) with powers and competences that go beyond those of a typical FIU.\n\nOther implications might be new structures to facilitate public-private information sharing on financial crime cases. Legal reforms may be needed to allow this, as well as to facilitate private-private exchange of such information.\n\nThe rollout of beneficial ownership registers might see a boost if government leaders understand the critical need for accurate information on the owners of companies and assets to be available to the competent authorities and others with a legitimate interest.\n\nAnother positive outcome of recognising financial crime as a security threat would be a much-needed increase in resources for law enforcement and the judiciary, including to follow up on cases where financial institutions report suspicious activity.\n\n### Fighting financial crime is not an end in itself\n\nThe conference topics showed a clear recognition that tackling financial crime is critical to tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges.\n\nIn addition to the panel on financial crime as a security threat, the participants explored modern slavery and human trafficking, trade-based financial crime, dealing with mercenaries and private military, information sharing through public-private partnerships, balancing data privacy concerns, and how to improve the effectiveness of anti-money laundering supervision.\n\nThe energy and dynamism in the room also demonstrated the value of bringing together leading voices from across the world to discuss critical emerging issues and find consensus where possible.\n\nWe are proud to have been a member of the Global Coalition since its establishment and to have taken part in this first global conference. Congratulations to the organisers, particularly John Cusack and Che Sidanius. There was much interest in making this an annual event – so we look forward to being present again at Stockholm 2025!","2024-09-16","framing-financial-crime-as-a-security-threat-2687","Framing financial crime as a security threat","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F998e60c1-df73-4b7c-a031-a976e9dfe17e?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[119,120],"Anti-Money Laundering","Asset Recovery",[17,18,19],[],2687,[119,125],"Asset Recovery and Enforcement",[17,18,19],[128],1103,[],[25],[],"2024-09-16T16:01:41.000Z","2026-05-29T22:22:32.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fframing-financial-crime-as-a-security-threat-2687",{"id":137,"body":138,"status":6,"type":10,"date":139,"slug":140,"title":141,"image":142,"countries":143,"topic":147,"activity":148,"tags":150,"nid":155,"topics":156,"activities":157,"authors":158,"images":159,"websites":160,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":23,"translations":161,"translation_of":23,"user_created":42,"date_created":162,"user_updated":106,"date_updated":107,"content":163,"link":164},10421,"Corruption was on the main programme of the [Munich Security Conference](https:\u002F\u002Fsecurityconference.org\u002Fen\u002F) on 16–18 February 2024 for the first time.\n\nGretta Fenner, Managing Director of the Basel Institute on Governance, moderated a panel discussion featuring Bernardo Arévalo, President of Guatemala, Nikolai Denkov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Ketakandriana (Ke) Rafitoson, Vice Chair of Transparency International and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget.\n\nThe main challenge in Gretta Fenner’s closing words, referring to the theme of this year’s [conference report “Lose-Lose](https:\u002F\u002Fsecurityconference.org\u002Fpublikationen\u002Fmunich-security-report-2024\u002F)”:\n\n> _“If we do not understand, acknowledge and then act accordingly in relation to the critical role of corruption undermining everything to do with stability, global governance and international law, we will have a lose-lose situation. And we cannot allow that to happen.”_\n\n### Beyond classical corruption\n\nThe Munich Security Conference's decision to include corruption as a “spotlight” in the conference programme, together with other non-traditional security topics such as sexual violence, climate finance and mineral supply chains, was highly welcome. It coincides with a rise in recognition and concern over strategic or \"weaponised\" corruption as a threat to national, regional and global security and peace.\n\nAs Fenner emphasised at the outset, corruption even in the narrow sense of bribery must be of great concern to the defence and security community. When kickbacks or other bribery schemes lead to the purchase of the wrong military equipment, to the construction of substandard infrastructure, or to half the ordered ammunition missing, it has direct and potentially deadly consequences.\n\nWhat we must also talk about more is the use of corruption for longer-term (geo) strategic goals. In other words, when corruption is used as an instrument – indeed a weapon – of power and influence at home and abroad. And when, as a consequence, it completely evades and thereby undermines global governance and international law.\n\nThe result, in the words of Ke Rafitoson, is _“an escalation of violence and conflicts around the world.”_ Corruption has long been seen as a _“soft governance”_ issue, she said, but now: \n\n> _“We have to recognise that corruption has become a global threat.”_\n\n### Vicious cycle: state capture and transnational organised crime\n\nTake just about any case of state capture – when power is consolidated in the hands of a few elites, who misuse state institutions to serve their own narrow purposes – and you can trace how [corruption is wielded as a highly functional tool](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-strategic-corruption-fuels-insecurity-affecting-power) to gain and preserve power and influence.\n\nThat pattern is clearly visible in Guatemala, where President Arévalo’s recent election success owes much to popular unrest over corruption and to his personal anti-corruption campaigning. Corruption has penetrated every arm of the state over the last 20 years, he explained. Money stolen through corruption is used to empower criminal elites, who then further capture the political system in order to extract more rents – and on it goes in a vicious circle.\n\nThat has serious implications on peace and stability far beyond Guatemala as it emboldens and empowers transnational organised crime, he said, including the trafficking of drugs, humans and wildlife.\n\n> _“When you have corrupt officials, they are quite open to the type of big-money incentives that transnational organised crime can put on the table. On the other hand, transnational organised crime is interested in pushing politicians into office.”_\n\nIn the end, you find the entire governance of countries is in the hands of corrupt actors and of criminal groups. Driven by the transnational nature of organised crime, this can quickly lead to entire regions descending into a vicious circle of illegitimate governance and crime, and eventually into ever greater instability and violence.\n\n### Control over critical sectors\n\nMuch concern over strategic uses of corruption for geopolitical purposes also centres on foreign states gaining influence over sectors that are critical for sovereignty, security and stability, such as energy, water and minerals. Historical links and geographical proximity to kleptocratic states increase a country’s vulnerability.\n\nBulgaria has recently struggled with exactly that phenomenon. Noting parallels with Guatemala’s experience of state capture and organised crime, Prime Minister Denkov emphasised that corruption was not just used as a way for individuals to make money for narrow personal gain:\n\n> _“Along with classical corruption schemes, you have another type of corruption at a huge scale that affects all aspects of our lives.”_\n\nRussia-related energy deals in Bulgaria have wasted more than a billion euros, Denkov said, and resulted in little except total energy dependence on the aggressive autocratic Russian regime. It is clearly a security concern when corrupt deals result in a foreign state gaining power over critical sectors such as energy – not least when they involve sensitive installations such as nuclear power plants.\n\nOn the positive side, an anti-corruption focus is leading Bulgaria towards a much brighter future, not only in terms of its energy independence but also more broadly in terms of the quality of its governance, of rule of law and of its role in protecting the Euro-Atlantic alliance. In the last two years, with parties in government who subscribe to the fight against corruption, the country has succeeded in removing oil and gas dependence with strategic and transparent energy arrangements. It is also working persistently towards freeing other sectors from state capture.\n\nBulgaria’s example shows how political commitments to transparency, participation and anti-corruption can help countries loosen the grip of corrupt states on sectors critical to their security.\n\n### How anti-corruption and security communities can join forces\n\nAnti-corruption and defence\u002Fsecurity communities often work in bubbles, but closer collaboration could bring benefits to both sides.\n\n#### Anti-corruption tools and knowledge\n\nDespite legitimate concerns about foreign power and influence through corruption, it’s not helpful to see corruption purely as a foreign threat. Many countries need to do more to prevent corruption and illicit financial flows _domestically,_ since these ultimately threaten both their own and global security.\n\nTried and tested anti-corruption tools are essential to get one’s own house in order. Senator Whitehouse gave a powerful description of how the U.S. introduced a series of anti-corruption reforms following the realisation that:\n\n> _“We were the problem. The greatest location for hiding corruptly obtained assets was the United States of America. So we began to take that apart.”_\n\nApart from basic transparency measures like beneficial ownership registers, priorities for many states should include cracking down on enablers such as unscrupulous lawyers and accountants. These are often based in high-income jurisdictions but are key to [enabling corruption in other countries](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.transparency.org\u002Fen\u002Fpublications\u002Floophole-masters).\n\nSenator Whitehouse also testified to the usefulness of working with civil society in devising and implementing the anti-corruption reforms.\n\nLikewise, in general security policy making could benefit greatly from the knowledge and analysis of specialist anti-corruption organisations whose understanding of connections between corruption and security, and related data, facts and [reports](https:\u002F\u002Fti-defence.org\u002F), can support security-related decision making.\n\n#### Embedding anti-corruption across the functions of state\n\nBeyond applying tools in specific areas, panellists concluded that states need to embed anti-corruption as a strategic priority across all aspects of security in its widest sense – from procurement to peace building to the development of strong and independent institutions.\n\nThe [U.S. designation of corruption as a core national security issue](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.whitehouse.gov\u002Fbriefing-room\u002Fpresidential-actions\u002F2021\u002F06\u002F03\u002Fmemorandum-on-establishing-the-fight-against-corruption-as-a-core-united-states-national-security-interest\u002F) has helped to _“put corruption higher up the agenda,”_ said Senator Whitehouse. This is vital because, as President Arévalo also emphasised:\n\n> _“We were used to corruption being a problem of bad administration…. Now we are seeing political criminal cliques organising to take control of state institutions in order to make them work for corruption. This is a fundamental threat to the viability of democratic states. It is beyond a threat to the security establishment.”_\n\nUkraine’s experience also shows that anti-corruption needs to be elevated as a core and state-wide security issue. Reacting to the panel discussion, Ukrainian anti-corruption activist Hanna Hopko explained that while Ukraine has made significant progress on fighting corruption since the 2014 Maidan Revolution, the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia has propelled corruption to the top of the country’s priorities:\n\n> _“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has redefined the struggle against corruption. In the past, we considered the fight against corruption to be about… eliminating kickbacks, \\[money laundering in\\] offshore jurisdictions, vanity construction projects… \\[Now\\] it is crystal clear that without strong institutions, producing strong policies and implementing them, anti-corruption means nothing.”_\n\nIn other words, Ukraine can only win this war if it wins the war against corruption and builds strong, independent institutions resilient to external attempts to corrupt and control them.\n\n### A tough fight ahead\n\nGuatemala and Bulgaria are just two countries facing a tough fight ahead to dismantle corrupt systems and create a well-governed state that works for the people. Legal reforms are important but not sufficient, stressed Denkov.\n\n> _“You have to have the people. It is not only the leaders. In every position you have to have a person who is willing to fight every day.”_\n\nThose people will need a lot of energy, said Senator Whitehouse:\n\n> _“For the corruption machine, maintaining corruption is life or death. You take away their corruption, there goes their money, there goes their power, their limousines, there goes everything. So they fight to defend it with determination…. The energy and persistence and determination of the corrupt needs to be matched by similar energy, persistence and determination of those trying to root out corruption.”_\n\nAnd that energy can only come from the recognition that corruption is, according to _“is no longer \\[just\\] a nuisance. It is a direct political threat,”_ according to President Arévalo.\n\n> “_Until we do not recognise that, we are not going to really be able to muster the energy, imagination and commitment at the international level to fight corruption effectively.”_\n\n### Learn more\n\n*   See the [full recording](https:\u002F\u002Fsecurityconference.org\u002Fmsc-2024\u002Fagenda\u002Fevent\u002Fspotlight-corruption\u002F) on the Munich Security Conference website.\n*   See related articles on [corruption and peace building](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Ffighting-corruption-promote-peace-and-security-basel-peace-forum-2024) and on [how corruption fuels insecurity by affecting power](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-strategic-corruption-fuels-insecurity-affecting-power).","2024-02-21","the-changing-face-of-corruption-and-security-munich-security-conference-2024-2588","The changing face of corruption and security: Munich Security Conference 2024","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F206ae2d8-12c3-44d3-a203-8fdd1171bdde?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[144,145,146],7132,7133,7134,[14],[17,149],"Presentations",[151],{"tags_id":152},{"id":153,"name":154},1376,"Defence and security",2588,[],[17,149],[],[],[25],[],"2024-02-21T11:01:31.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fthe-changing-face-of-corruption-and-security-munich-security-conference-2024-2588",{"id":166,"body":167,"status":6,"type":10,"date":168,"slug":169,"title":170,"image":171,"countries":172,"topic":173,"activity":174,"tags":176,"nid":177,"topics":178,"activities":179,"authors":180,"images":182,"websites":183,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":23,"translations":184,"translation_of":23,"user_created":42,"date_created":185,"user_updated":106,"date_updated":107,"content":186,"link":187},9740,"We are delighted to release our Annual Report 2019 – [view it here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2020-05\u002FBasel%20Institute%20Annual%20Report%202019.pdf).\n\nThe report highlights our achievements in the past year, but it also looks forward to the future. It is a chance to reflect on how corruption and governance are changing around the world and how we are adapting to new challenges. It is also a chance to thank, once again, our partners and donors for their unwavering support. \n\nHere is the foreword by Managing Director Gretta Fenner and President of the Board Mark Pieth.\n\n### Corruption and poor governance: enemies of the people\n\nAs we write this note for our annual report, the world has become a different place. A global pandemic is spreading fast, globalisation has come to a virtual standstill, and almost everything we took for granted is no longer a given.\n\nWe have been warned. Not specifically about covid-19, but about the risk of a global pandemic. Yet in many countries we see that structures are not in place and warnings have been ignored for too long. As we are still grappling to understand what is happening, one cannot help but ask, whether governance systems have failed us.\n\nWhen essential services are deprived of funding because it does not fit the political agenda of those in charge, this points to distorted governance systems that fail to set the right priorities for the public good. And can we really disregard the role corruption has played in fuelling this crisis? No, we cannot. It is clear that public officials have received grease payments to turn a blind eye to illegal trade in endangered species and disregard sub-standard hygiene in markets from where the  virus has seemingly spread.\n\nFighting corruption and strengthening governance may not be at the top of most officials’ priority lists right now as they are busy trying to control the spread of the virus and keep mortality levels low. But when we take a step back and have more space to reflect on underlying causes, we will have a terrible re-awakening to the realisation that corruption and bad governance are devastating our world and our lives.\n\nThat’s why at the Basel Institute, we see our mission of combating corruption and strengthening governance not as a cause in itself. Instead, we see it as our contribution to sustainable development, equitable growth, stability, respect for human rights and peace.\n\nOur team has worked hard again in 2019 to make inroads toward these overarching global goals. We are proud of our achievements, and acutely aware how our work interplays with the work of many others, be it in anti-corruption and governance or in other fields. This includes health, where corruption and weak governance compromise the achievement of better development outcomes. \n\nOur partnerships with governments, the private sector, other international organisations and civil society are critical. The covid-19 crisis has shown us like nothing else that we need to come together to go forward.\n\nWe hope that the work we describe in our annual report inspires you. By now, when we write this foreword, we know only too well what topic will dominate the year 2020. We sincerely hope to make a contribution to fighting the root causes of this pandemic, so that we may come out of this tragic crisis not only with losses, but also with a new understanding of our global responsibilities, individually and collectively.\n\n[Download the annual report here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2020-05\u002FBasel%20Institute%20Annual%20Report%202019.pdf).","2020-05-17","our-annual-report-2019-looking-back-but-mostly-forward-1747","Our Annual Report 2019: looking back, but mostly forward","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Ffbcf85c1-981c-4bb2-8107-c4a6bde291e6?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14],[175],"Reports",[],1747,[],[175],[181],1232,[],[25],[],"2022-05-26T22:55:01.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Four-annual-report-2019-looking-back-but-mostly-forward-1747",{"id":189,"body":190,"status":6,"type":10,"date":191,"slug":192,"title":193,"image":194,"countries":195,"topic":196,"activity":199,"tags":200,"nid":201,"topics":202,"activities":203,"authors":204,"images":206,"websites":207,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":23,"translations":208,"translation_of":23,"user_created":42,"date_created":209,"user_updated":106,"date_updated":107,"content":210,"link":211},10455,"The Basel Institute’s President Peter Maurer opened the [5th International Collective Action Conference](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fevents\u002Ficac-2024) on 24 June 2024 with an inspiring keynote speech about global challenges related to corruption and the role of Collective Action in addressing them. \n\nSetting out the current state of affairs, Peter Maurer highlighted disruption, instability and deep transformation of relations between states, international organisations and non-state actors as important factors undermining international consensus, which has been so critical in achieving progress on anti-corruption norms, standards and policies.\n\nToday’s environment is characterised by the deep negative impact of armed conflict, the spread of illegal and illicit economies and state capture, the scarcity and overuse of resources, rapid energy and technological transformation, and stark social inequalities. All these are fuelling feelings of injustice and globalising double standards.\n\nThese developments represent the background with which anti-corruption efforts are confronted. Peter Maurer explained subsequently how these challenges are also providing us with opportunities to further progress on anti-corruption. You can watch [Peter Maurer's speech here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=o13bcO7m1E0&list=PLYRnhpCcnLP9vG5x9LK9p9Z-4SniNYhF_&index=2). An edited excerpt follows:\n\n> Despite threats to the rules-based order that international organisations have worked to foster globally over the past 80 years, traditional institutions such as the United Nations and OECD have not disappeared. They are, in fact, making notable efforts to adapt to new realities by bringing best practices to the fore and promoting innovative solutions.\n> \n> Of these, [Collective Action](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002F) and other forms of multi-stakeholder cooperation are proving to be some of the most promising.\n> \n> ### Private sector increasingly up to the challenge\n> \n> For businesses, expectations of regulators, investors, customers, employees and other stakeholders are higher than ever, albeit contradictory at times. Consequently, companies need to equip themselves with the ability to navigate political and social tensions among their stakeholders.\n> \n> It is therefore positive to see that companies globally are starting to shift from tick-the-box compliance to more refined approaches to strengthening integrity and governance.\n> \n> Increasingly, they are anchoring integrity challenges at the top of business hierarchies, introducing new measures building on insights from behavioural science, concretising commitments to integrity through Collective Action, and more.\n> \n> ### Growing participation in decisions and policies\n> \n> Another positive trend is how governments and businesses, supported by civil society and academia, are committing to evidence-based decision-making. They are prioritising impactful, people-centred action, and they are implementing systems for achieving integrity in governance.\n> \n> New technologies are allowing for new forms of research and cooperation. They are also helping to build alliances around particular issues and to facilitate international communities of practice that could not otherwise be sustained.\n> \n> ### Finding a balance in the face of dilemmas\n> \n> While many of us are worried – and rightly so – by simplistic populism, I am impressed every day by the number of actors delicately navigating the big dilemmas inherent to the challenges of anti-corruption work.\n> \n> They are balancing principles and pragmatism; individual and systemic approaches; legal compliance and the need to create a space for negotiations when implementing norms and standards. They manage to combine respect for professional standards with political advocacy and the desire for transparency with concerns over privacy.\n> \n> In such an environment, it is particularly important to come together, create a space for debate and support each other in sending a positive signal. And while megatrends may seem unaffected by our efforts, “the God of small things” may be on our side. In other words, lots of small steps forward can together shape deeper and longer-lasting transformation.\n> \n> Without falling into naïve optimism, it is important to demonstrate that things can be done when we work together. Not necessarily because we are like-minded, but because joining different perspectives in a common framework has a significant potential for impact.\n> \n> ### The mobilising force of Collective Action\n> \n> This is the positive message coming from Collective Action. It’s an action-, cooperation- and future-oriented framework.\n> \n> At its most effective, Collective Action can help to remind us why we have agreed to certain norms, principles and values – often a long time ago – and show us how to achieve them. It can help to breathe new life into the global rules-based order that is currently at risk.\n> \n> It can also help to make the world fairer and to reinvigorate international support for democratic institutions, for accountability and for more sophisticated checks and balances.\n> \n> Collective Action has shifted the balance from an often quite “mechanical” compliance practice to opening a space for agreement on concrete steps forward. It anchors ethical behaviour and compliance with norms in specific contexts and times and around concrete action plans. It is a mobilising force, giving agency to multiple stakeholders.\n> \n> ### Why Collective Action has to be a pillar of anti-corruption strategies\n> \n> From recent discussions on Collective Action and anti-corruption, three important messages stand out for me:\n> \n> *   Corruption is a formidable global challenge that hinders progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, weakens the rule of law, deteriorates public institutions, erodes trust, exacerbates social and economic disparities and compromises peace and security. Re-establishing integrity and trust in institutions as a key path to fighting corruption is critically important.\n> *   If we want our anti-corruption efforts to succeed, we need to create conducive environments. Accountable and rules-based political systems create an enabling environment for anti-corruption work and for countering attacks on open societies.\n> *   To fight corruption we need multifaceted approaches, including actions targeted at promoting transparency and integrity and at reducing impunity. We need to leverage technology, build capacities and expand cooperative agreements between different stakeholders.\n> \n> Anti-corruption Collective Action has proven its worth in achieving all of those things. That is why Collective Action must be one of the pillars of a more comprehensive, multidisciplinary anti-corruption strategy.\n> \n> ### Bringing global perspectives together\n> \n> As we explore these questions and more, it is useful to remember that integrity will not be a top priority issue if we fail to bring a powerful alliance of stakeholders from all parts of the world around it.\n> \n> We must not fall into the trap of designing integrity as a neo-colonialist enterprise, where those who have traditionally held power try to impose their normative systems on others. Rather, it is critical to collect best practices from different contexts and learn from each other’s experiences.\n> \n> There is huge energy and an appetite for change in regions such as Southern Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America, where regional communities of Collective Action practitioners are beginning to form. And we believe that much of the future expansion and innovation in Collective Action will evolve at these regional levels.\n> \n> ### Kicking off the Collective Action Conference\n> \n> Our aim for the next two days is that together, we – as representatives of governments, businesses, civil society, international organisations and academia – take another step forward in achieving global recognition for Collective Action as an effective tool for rebuilding trust in institutions and democratic norms at a local, national and international level.\n> \n> The Basel Institute, supported by the [Siemens Integrity Initiative](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.siemens.com\u002Fglobal\u002Fen\u002Fcompany\u002Fabout\u002Fcompliance\u002Fcollective-action.html), the sponsors of the 5th International Collective Action Conference and of much of our anti-corruption Collective Action work over the last 14 years, would like to thank you very much indeed for your participation.\n> \n> As ever, we remain open to providing [help, advice, connections](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fhelpdesk), and technical assistance to those of you who want to initiate, scale up and further develop Collective Action in your contexts.","2024-07-02","the-mobilising-power-of-collective-action-peter-maurer-on-new-forms-of-engagement-for-global-solutions-2651","The mobilising power of Collective Action: Peter Maurer on new forms of engagement for global solutions","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F6418fd38-2ec5-474e-8791-2e0293390122?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[197,198],"Collective Action","Private Sector",[17,18,149],[],2651,[197,198],[17,18,149],[205],1111,[],[25,197],[],"2024-07-02T16:01:34.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fthe-mobilising-power-of-collective-action-peter-maurer-on-new-forms-of-engagement-for-global-solutions-2651",{"id":213,"body":214,"status":6,"type":10,"date":215,"slug":216,"title":217,"image":218,"countries":219,"topic":220,"activity":221,"tags":222,"nid":231,"topics":232,"activities":233,"authors":234,"images":235,"websites":236,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":23,"translations":237,"translation_of":23,"user_created":42,"date_created":238,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":8,"content":239,"link":240},10301,"_Economic crimes are significant obstacles to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and professional accountants can play a pivotal role to clear a path. This guest blog by [Kevin Dancey](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ifac.org\u002Fwho-we-are\u002Fleadership\u002Fkevin-dancey), CEO of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), marks the launch of IFAC’s new Action Plan for Fighting Corruption and Economic Crime._\n\nIn 2015 all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. Its 17 United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present an urgent call to action for all companies, institutions and nations to take steps by 2030 that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change. Yet in 2022, comprehensive global progress on the SDGs remains elusive.\n\nIt has become clear that corruption has presented – and will continue to present – a major obstacle to fully delivering meaningful progress against all 17 SDGs.\n\nCorruption and related economic crimes, such as money laundering, bribery, illicit financial flows, tax evasion and fraud, deeply affect both human and economic development. The [United Nations estimates](https:\u002F\u002Functad.org\u002Fwebflyer\u002Fworld-investment-report-2014) that USD 5 to 7 trillion worth of annual investments is needed to achieve the UN SDGs. And [USD 3.6 trillion](https:\u002F\u002Fnews.un.org\u002Fen\u002Fstory\u002F2018\u002F12\u002F1027971) is said to be lost to corruption each year.\n\nOn a regional scale, the presence of corruption hinders economic development by curtailing international investment and raising the cost of doing business. In short, citizens and legitimate businesses pay more money into a system in return for fewer of the services they need to survive comfortably.\n\nCorruption also affects all five pillars of sustainable development – people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnerships. These crimes illegitimatize and erode trust in democratic institutions and government, inhibit social equality, and threaten economic growth.\n\nTo make the 2030 Agenda a reality, we must tackle corruption by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, as stated in SDG 16.\n\nThe International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) knows that the accountancy profession has a direct role to play in this fight – by enhancing transparency and accountability in the public and private sectors and by supporting an ecosystem of key actors and policymakers that strive to counter corruption and economic crime at the global and domestic levels.\n\n### Accountants have a pivotal role to play in fighting corruption\n\nThe accountancy profession can drive the fight against corruption, as an essential aspect of strong and sustainable government institutions, financial markets, economies and society. As professional accountants hold key positions in, or as advisors to, nearly every business and public sector entity worldwide, we have extensive reach.\n\nThrough audits and advising organisations, accountants regularly help the public and private sectors, and society at large, in the fight against economic crimes including money laundering and fraud. The accountancy profession has long supported the development of smart regulatory frameworks that promote compliance by balancing the needs of all stakeholders.\n\nIn fact, many of the accountancy profession’s regular activities already contribute to fighting corruption and economic crime. The establishment of harmonised global standards for audit, ethics and public sector accounting, followed by the adaptation of those standards over time based on quantitative evidence, has aided organisations and governments in identifying and responding to financial crimes.\n\nWe must build upon this experience and coordinate a broader strategy to support an ecosystem of actors working together to fight corruption on a global scale.\n\nTo answer the call, IFAC has developed an [Action Plan for Fighting Corruption and Economic Crime](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ifac.org\u002Fknowledge-gateway\u002Fbuilding-trust-ethics\u002Fdiscussion\u002Fifacs-action-plan-fighting-corruption-and-economic-crime) (our Action Plan), which provides a framework for the accountancy profession’s role in combatting corruption and economic crimes, thereby advancing the UN SDGs.\n\nIFAC’s proposed strategy rests on five pillars that are broad enough to support a consistent framework, even as specific actions taken by stakeholders to support the strategy evolve over time. The strategy’s five pillars include:\n\n*   Harnessing the full potential of education and professional development.\n*   Supporting global standards.\n*   Contributing to evidence-based policymaking.\n*   Strengthening our impact through engagement and partnership.\n*   Contributing our expertise through thought leadership and advocacy.\n\n### Developing a coordinated anti-corruption strategy\n\nThe ability to partner with a wide variety of other organisations will be critical in fighting corruption. Key players include political leaders, civil servants, business leaders, global policymakers and other regulated professionals, as well as individual citizens and taxpayers. These stakeholders must cooperate in an increasingly global policy framework, even while many of them deal with the issue domestically.\n\nA good example of collaboration is seen in our Action Plan, which was developed in close coordination with the International Bar Association (IBA), with inspiration from their [_Anti Corruption Strategy for the Legal Profession_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.anticorruptionstrategy.org\u002F), launched in 2010. This collaboration reflects the significant depth and breadth of both professions’ involvement across business, the public sector and society. Simply put, our impact is stronger working together.\n\nTo strengthen and enable a more streamlined and inclusive international approach, IFAC is also committed to working with other leading organisations, such as the Basel Institute on Governance, Business at OECD and the World Economic Forum’s Gatekeeper Task Force, through collective action to better address and prevent corruption.\n\n### Looking forward\n\nAccording to Transparency International, perceived levels of public sector corruption have [remained unchanged](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.transparency.org\u002Fen\u002Fcpi\u002F2021) worldwide for the past decade.\n\nWith the right frameworks in place, the global accountancy professions are uniquely placed to change this landscape to help deliver the necessary progress to reach the UN SDGs and improve the lives of people throughout the world.","2022-09-06","for-the-sake-of-sustainability-clear-out-corruption-here039s-how-accountants-can-play-a-role-2276","For the sake of sustainability, clear out corruption – here's how accountants can play a role","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F5981c144-6f20-4834-9fa7-f72747631c7c?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[197,198],[18],[223,227],{"tags_id":224},{"id":225,"name":226},982,"Anti-corruption",{"tags_id":228},{"id":229,"name":230},1380,"Sustainability",2276,[197,198],[18],[],[],[25,197],[],"2022-09-06T14:07:41.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Ffor-the-sake-of-sustainability-clear-out-corruption-here039s-how-accountants-can-play-a-role-2276",{"id":242,"body":243,"status":6,"type":10,"date":244,"slug":245,"title":246,"image":247,"countries":248,"topic":249,"activity":250,"tags":251,"nid":252,"topics":253,"activities":255,"authors":256,"images":258,"websites":259,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":260,"translations":261,"translation_of":23,"user_created":42,"date_created":262,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":263,"content":264,"link":265},10543,"> “Strong and productive partnerships across diverse sectors were everywhere in evidence at the OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum. Such solidarity and collaboration are critically important, particularly in the face of the headwinds confronting the anti-corruption movement today.\" – Elizabeth Andersen, Executive Director, Basel Institute on Governance\n\n_This blog by Lucie Binder, Senior Specialist, Governance and Integrity, reflects on the [2025 OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oecd-events.org\u002Fgacif\u002Fen) and the challenges and opportunities facing all who are committed to promoting high standards of ethics and integrity._\n\nAmong the many thoughtful discussions at this year’s Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum, one quieter note resonated: the reduced presence of civil society organisations. \n\nThese groups – traditionally at the forefront of driving transparency and accountability – were fewer than in previous years. In part this was due to mounting funding pressures, especially those linked to recent changes in United States foreign assistance policy. \n\nWhile their absence was not the main story, it was a reminder of the broader reality: those working to uphold integrity are operating in a more constrained global landscape.\n\nYet the tone of the Forum was far from defeatist. In fact, one of its most striking insights was that constraints can drive clarity and innovation. Nowhere was this more powerfully illustrated than in the sessions on Ukraine. \n\nAmid the pressures of wartime, Ukraine’s business integrity and anti-corruption efforts have not been put on hold – they have become more focused. Faced with existential challenges, the priorities are clear: uphold transparency in decision-making, ensure the ethical use of public and private resources, and reinforce the integrity of institutions and businesses alike.\n\n[Innovating for integrity during wartime: Ukraine’s developments since 2022 (click to view recording)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oecd-events.org\u002Fgacif\u002Fen\u002Fonlinesession\u002F6edbc934-63f3-ef11-90cb-6045bda07d25)\n\n### A chance to make integrity work better for all\n\nThis clarity of mission offers a valuable lesson for others. Even in times of political uncertainty and institutional fragility, there are opportunities to innovate and strengthen business integrity – not simply to maintain compliance, but to leverage it as something core to an organisation’s purpose, resilience and long-term value.\n\nRather than treating compliance as an afterthought or a legal checkbox, companies can design operations, decision-making processes and incentive structures that align with ethics and integrity from the outset, helping to build long-term trust with stakeholders, and reduce risk by creating more stable operating environments.\n\nEmerging technologies offer tools to identify risks earlier and act proactively, even in contexts where external oversight is weak or politicised. (Here again, our Ukrainian colleagues shared inspirational approaches.) Such tools can help business decisions to be both commercially sound and ethically grounded, independent of shifting regulations and political priorities.\n\n### Cooperation for fair competition\n\nAcross industries, there is renewed incentive to build shared standards and mutual accountability. Collective Action can establish a level playing field and protect against the risks of regulatory backsliding. \n\nOur Knowledge Partner session on anti-corruption Collective Action and sustainable development revealed that companies do appreciate tangible benefits from participating in Collective Action initiatives, such as integrity certification or visibility from participation. But what they are ultimately seeking is a reduction in corruption, both nationally and globally. That leads to fairer, more predictable market conditions, especially across complex supply chains. Our new working paper [presenting a typology of Collective Action](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fexplore\u002Fpublications\u002F2397) initiatives provides a roadmap for companies to work together toward such meaningful change.\n\n[Anti-corruption Collective Action as an enabler for sustainable development (click to view recording)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oecd-events.org\u002Fgacif\u002Fen\u002Fonlinesession\u002Fc8290b16-63f3-ef11-90cb-6045bda07d25)\n\n### Showing leadership, scaling solutions\n\nAt the national level, particularly in countries where democratic institutions are under strain, companies and public actors alike have the opportunity to lead by example. Even when enforcement is inconsistent, adherence to recognised standards can demonstrate a clear commitment to integrity and build public trust.\n\nThese themes were explored in depth during the Asia-Pacific regional session on disclosures for public integrity. The session highlighted how reporting tools and digital mechanisms can be leveraged to promote transparency, accountability and the development of effective public integrity policies. The role of emerging technologies in this space – from data platforms to digital dashboards – is becoming increasingly central to how national systems build resilience and respond to integrity risks. \n\nWe also had the opportunity to moderate a session on the role of public-private partnerships in promoting a clean environment for sustainable business growth in Southeast Asia, where the panel discussed how a clean business environment can be a catalyst for sustainable development across the region. The conversation built on previous Collective Action initiatives and emphasised the value of cross-sector collaboration, while underscoring the role of innovation and technology in enabling effective, scalable solutions to integrity challenges.\n\nAsia-Pacific regional session on disclosures for public integrity\n\n### Fighting corruption means challenging threats to anti-corruption\n\nWhat emerged most clearly from this year’s Forum is that this is a time to focus, consolidate, leverage partnerships, and act with purpose. The challenges are real — shrinking resources, political pushback, and unstable governance environments. But they also underscore why integrity must remain at the centre of sustainable development. \n\nWithout accountability and ethical governance, efforts to advance economic, environmental and social goals risk being undermined by mismanagement and corruption. Integrity provides the foundation for fair institutions, efficient use of resources and inclusive growth — all of which are vital for development that is truly sustainable and resilient.\n\nIn this context, innovation is not only possible but essential. It enables new tools, partnerships and approaches to uphold integrity where traditional mechanisms may be under strain.\n\nAnd we must also remember that the broader international framework for integrity remains largely intact:\n\n*   Transnational regulation and enforcement continues to apply pressure on corporate misconduct. \n*   Multilateral organisations, including the OECD, continue to provide stable platforms for cooperation and standard-setting. \n*   Global companies continue to invest in business integrity. \n\nWhether through international frameworks or local initiatives, standing up for integrity remains one of the clearest pathways to restoring public trust and strengthening the foundations for long-term peace and prosperity.\n\n### Learn more\n\n*   [OECD 2025 Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oecd-events.org\u002Fgacif\u002Fen#bl-7d0b3f5b-c3a6-4b40-8749-390d707a7040)\n*   See the Basel Institute's [Quick Guide to business integrity and ethics](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fquick-guide-39-business-integrity-and-ethics)\n*   Learn more about [anti-corruption Collective Action](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002F)","2025-04-03","staying-the-course-business-integrity-in-a-fragmented-political-climate-2791","Staying the course: business integrity in a fragmented political climate","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F0cc9a79d-2d22-41d5-8df6-d630c62b85b6?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[197,198],[17,18],[],2791,[197,198,254],"Business Integrity Ethics and Compliance",[17,18],[257],1085,[],[25,197],"English",[],"2025-04-03T10:01:36.000Z","2026-05-29T22:22:35.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fstaying-the-course-business-integrity-in-a-fragmented-political-climate-2791",{"id":267,"body":268,"status":6,"type":269,"date":270,"slug":271,"title":272,"image":273,"countries":274,"topic":276,"activity":277,"tags":278,"nid":279,"topics":280,"activities":281,"authors":282,"images":283,"websites":284,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":23,"translations":285,"translation_of":23,"user_created":42,"date_created":286,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":287,"content":288,"link":289},10328,"The war in Ukraine has caused hundreds of billions of dollars of damage so far, including to critical infrastructure. Funding the country's ongoing and post-war reconstruction efforts is a topic very much under debate. Some suggest that assets frozen under war-related sanctions could be used to partly fund the reconstruction. Could they? How?\n\nTogether with the Basel Institute, [Transparency International Ukraine](https:\u002F\u002Fti-ukraine.org\u002Fen\u002F) hosted a session at the [International Anti-Corruption Conference 2022](https:\u002F\u002Fiaccseries.org\u002F) in Washington D.C. to explore these questions with those on the front lines of tracing, freezing and seizing assets subject to sanctions.\n\nThe session aimed to generate a realistic understanding of options for recovering assets frozen under sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. It also sought to identify and promote new instruments that countries could introduce for this purpose. Ultimately, these discussions and actions will contribute to global efforts to accelerate asset recovery and push boundaries of current practice.\n\n### Takeaways\n\n*   The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has given impetus to the country’s asset recovery efforts. A specialised Freeze and Seize Task Force was set up within the Prosecutor General's Office to help freeze, seize and confiscate Russian assets; its mandate has now expanded to cover assets related to sanctions. A legislative amendment has expanded the range of crimes under which assets may be forfeited. In addition, a new [administrative procedure](https:\u002F\u002Fti-ukraine.org\u002Fen\u002Fnews\u002Fmechanisms-for-confiscation-of-russian-assets-what-does-the-legislation-say\u002F) has been established that enables assets related to Russian aggression and sanctions to be forfeited; five cases are already proceeding. This fresh momentum is significant, given the slow progress in Ukraine’s previous efforts to recover stolen assets.\n*   Though unprecedented in their number and scope, the sanctions imposed on Russian individuals and companies, as well as the Russian state, are temporary and non-punitive. This means they are not a legal basis for confiscation. Confiscation would usually require a criminal conviction or a judgement under non-conviction based forfeiture or unexplained wealth\u002F[illicit enrichment](https:\u002F\u002Fillicitenrichment.baselgovernance.org\u002F) legislation.\n*   Efforts to target kleptocratic assets need to extend beyond the assets themselves – yachts, airplanes, bank accounts, etc. – to the surrounding infrastructure, from service providers to so-called enablers. These efforts can and already have incentivised individuals and companies to proactively identify assets subject to sanctions that may otherwise have missed.\n*   The significance of international efforts to proactively target the assets of sanctioned individuals goes beyond the utility of putting pressure on Russia’s political establishment. The efforts send a powerful message of the strong political commitment among Ukraine’s international partners to cut off the financing of Russia’s war machine and to support Ukraine’s citizens in defending their sovereign nation. Where frozen assets can subsequently be confiscated, the funds could potentially be of significant utility in Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery.\n*   International cooperation between Ukraine and other states on asset recovery has strengthened considerably, particularly in the EU and US. The establishment of dedicated taskforces has helped. There is a welcome openness among international partners to explore every possible avenue to admit dual criminality, including under civil \u002F non-conviction based forfeiture laws and other such laws that are effective but not yet widely in use.\n*   Enforcing criminal penalties for attempted sanctions evasion could be a powerful option for confiscating at least some of the assets currently frozen. In Europe, following a Council Decision on 28 November 2022 that [adds sanctions violation](https:\u002F\u002Fec.europa.eu\u002Fcommission\u002Fpresscorner\u002Fdetail\u002Fen\u002Fqanda_22_7373) to the list of EU-wide crimes, the European Commission is putting forward a new directive that harmonises criminal definitions and penalties for violating sanctions. One positive effect of making sanctions evasion an EU-wide crime is that it helps to mobilise authorities across the board, from asset recovery agencies to financial intelligence units.\n*   Private assets, corporate assets and sovereign assets require different mechanisms of seizure, forfeiture and disposal. Sovereign Russian assets that have been frozen could potentially be placed in an escrow account or trust fund, to be returned only if there is a peace agreement and as part of a binding reparation agreement. Other mechanisms would need to be applied for private and corporate assets.\n*   A compensation mechanism would ease the use of confiscated private or corporate assets to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery. Such a mechanism would need to be developed through close cooperation with Ukraine’s authorities and civil society, to ensure it aligns with the approach to compensations developed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice and the related General Assembly resolution.\n*   Ukraine’s vibrant civil society has a strong role to play in providing specialist expertise and oversight throughout the process. Civil society representatives have been in constant communication with the EU taskforce, for example, and as Anton Korynevych stated: “From the perspective of the Ukrainian Government, cooperation with civil society is of utmost importance in all areas related to accountability.”\n*   The urgency of efforts to confiscate kleptocratic assets needs to be balanced with respect for due process and the rule of law. Ambition, creativity and pushing boundaries are all welcome – indeed essential. But pushing too far could risk hurting Ukraine more than it helps, and undermining the very principles for which anti-corruption advocates in the democratic world have fought for so long. Ukrainian civil society can help keep that focus on asset recovery mechanisms that work in practice and respect the rule of law that they and their compatriots are fighting to preserve.\n\n### About the session\n\nThe session took place at [International Anti-Corruption Conference 2022](https:\u002F\u002Fiaccseries.org\u002F) on 9 December 2022 and was organised by Transparency International Ukraine together with the Basel Institute on Governance. Many thanks to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Ukraine programme at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs for their continued support to the Basel Institute and to asset recovery efforts in Ukraine, among many other valuable programmes.\n\nGretta Fenner moderated the panel, which featured:\n\n*   Péter Csonka, Deputy Director, Directorate Criminal Justice, Directorate General for Justice and Consumers, European Commission\n*   Anton Korynevych, Head of Freeze and Seize Task Force, Ukraine\n*   David Lim, Deputy Director, Task Force KleptoCapture, Department of Justice, United States\n*   Kateryna Ryzhenko, Deputy Executive Director for Legal Affairs, Transparency International Ukraine\n\n[View the video recording](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=E-C80WdMUkI). \n\nSee other [#IACC2022 sessions](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fbasel-iacc2022) in which the Basel Institute and partners were involved.","News","2022-12-10","asset-recovery-developments-since-the-start-of-the-war-in-ukraine-2330","Asset recovery developments since the start of the war in Ukraine","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F7fa266f5-a283-4ea6-ab90-dddfbb9a1a70?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[275],7206,[120],[17,18,149],[],2330,[125],[17,18,149],[],[],[25],[],"2022-12-12T11:01:25.000Z","2026-05-29T22:22:24.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fasset-recovery-developments-since-the-start-of-the-war-in-ukraine-2330",{"id":291,"body":292,"status":6,"type":10,"date":293,"slug":294,"title":295,"image":296,"countries":297,"topic":298,"activity":301,"tags":302,"nid":309,"topics":310,"activities":312,"authors":313,"images":316,"websites":317,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":23,"translations":318,"translation_of":23,"user_created":42,"date_created":319,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":320,"content":321,"link":322},10418,"How do corruption and security intersect? What is _strategic_ corruption and what can we do about it?\n\nThese were two fundamental questions tackled at the Countering Strategic Corruption workshop at the [2024 Basel Peace Forum](https:\u002F\u002Fbasel-peace.org\u002Fbpf-2024\u002F). Claudia Baez Camargo, Head of Prevention, Research and Innovation at the Basel Institute on Governance, spoke at the event. Together with her colleague Saba Kassa, the team’s Deputy Head, she highlights two key ideas:\n\n*   Using the lens of power helps us to better understand how corruption impacts security_._ Corruption changes power dynamics, which in turn affect security.\n*   We need to see how corruption is a highly functional tool for those seeking not just private benefits but – in the case of strategic corruption – geopolitical goals.\n\n### Power: at the heart of corruption and security issues\n\nCorruption fuels insecurity in many ways, directly and indirectly. But the big picture is that corruption affects the exercise of power by undermining it, or by strengthening it in a particular person or group’s favour.\n\nChanges in power in turn affect all forms of human security, including a country’s ability to defend itself against internal or external threats.\n\nIt is useful to think of three different types of corruption:\n\nCorruption State power Implications Insecurity Endemic corruption Weakens ability to serve citizens.\n\nErodes trust. \n\nIncreases inequalities and poverty.\n\nFuels insecurity.\n\nErodes performance of security institutions.\n\nState capture\n\nRepressive capacities are instrumentalised. State institutions serve elites. \n\nConsolidates power in hands of political elites.\n\nImpunity is the norm.\n\nEnables discretionary and abusive control of security apparatus.\n\nFuels radicalisation of oppressed groups. \n\nStrategic corruption State powers abused and weaponised to achieve a geopolitical goal.\n\nFunds conflict, weapons.\n\nInfluences or destabilises other countries.\n\nContributes to polarisation.\n\nEmboldens populists, authoritarian or violent groups.\n\n### Endemic corruption: weakening institutions and trust\n\nWidespread and systemic corruption affects the ability of the state to serve citizens. Consider the theft of public funds earmarked for hospitals or medicines, which affects citizens' access to good health care. Consequences include higher inequality and poverty, as well as an erosion of trust in government and public institutions. This is where security risks come in. [Popular protests may spur violence](https:\u002F\u002Fcarnegieendowment.org\u002F2018\u002F04\u002F12\u002Ffighting-hydra-lessons-from-worldwide-protests-against-corruption-pub-76036) and conflict as tensions rise.\n\nIn conflict-afflicted and fragile contexts, theft of humanitarian aid or resources dedicated to strengthening legitimate state actors and institutions can undermine the prospects for sustainable peace.\n\nA related problem is the systematic erosion of defence and security institutions. Corrupt procurement deals and embezzlement leave institutions with underpaid and underequipped staff while draining national budgets.\n\nThis makes it very challenging to respond to domestic and external threats, and organised crime and terrorism can get a stronger foot in the door. For example, research in [Nigeria](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tandfonline.com\u002Fdoi\u002Fabs\u002F10.1080\u002F09592318.2020.1672968) has shown that corruption in the military affects the ability to respond effectively to the militant group Boko Haram. In other words, corruption undermines the most basic responsibility of states: protecting citizens from violence and conflict.\n\n### State capture: centralising power\n\nState capture is a systemic form of corruption in which political elites, often together with economic elites, control state institutions for their narrow purposes. It is more than about siphoning off state resources with impunity. It can be about getting laws, such as procurement rules, just right for those political elites and their associates to win lucrative contracts or control valuable natural resource sectors.\n\nThe unchecked ability to shape laws and direct state intuitions puts a lot of power in the hands of a few people. For example, they can instrumentalise enforcement institutions such as the police or courts to neutralise opponents and ensure impunity for their circle. All this strengthens their power base. And it shows again that corruption can be a highly functional tool.\n\nThe citizens of a country suffering from state capture understand that power is exercised discretionarily and that the rules apply to some and not to others. Fear and powerlessness often close the door to challenging the situation through democratic means.\n\n### Strategic corruption: a powerful geopolitical tool\n\nStrategic corruption goes beyond the kind of narrow personal benefits implied in the common definition of corruption as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain”. Here, corruption is weaponised to help change power dynamics on the geopolitical stage.\n\nIn this cross-border and global context, states can use corrupt means and divert public resources to fund their geopolitical objectives. For an in-depth case study of strategic corruption, see the _[Kremlin Playbook](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.csis.org\u002Fprograms\u002Feurope-russia-and-eurasia-program\u002Fprojects\u002Frussia-and-eurasia\u002Fkremlin-playbook)_ series.\n\nLooking at examples of strategic corruption again highlights the _functionality_ of corruption. It’s used not only to gain money and control of resources but because it gives people the power to achieve their goals.\n\nThat functionality goes both ways. Even in democratic contexts, politicians can use [accusations of corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fedition.cnn.com\u002F2023\u002F08\u002F09\u002Fpolitics\u002Fhouse-oversight-republicans-hunter-biden\u002Findex.html) to erode trust in opponents or public institutions and weaken their legitimacy. On the other hand, politicians with a strong anti-corruption platform can see success in the polls, as [Guatemala](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wsj.com\u002Fworld\u002Famericas\u002Fleftist-sociologist-to-take-office-as-guatemalas-new-president-1a378380) and Bulgaria have recently demonstrated.\n\n### What we can learn from corruption’s power and functionality\n\nThe main takeaway? Looking at power and functionality helps us better understand how corruption affects security and at why strategic corruption is increasingly becoming a concern.\n\nThe main lesson? That we need to fight (strategic) corruption by disrupting its functionality, i.e. making it less of an effective strategy for obtaining power and achieving other illicit goals. And to do that, we need to ensure that anti-corruption efforts are strategic, coordinated and effective.","2024-02-13","how-strategic-corruption-fuels-insecurity-by-affecting-power-2582","How (strategic) corruption fuels insecurity by affecting power","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fa57ab670-9908-41dd-81ed-6a68124ff94b?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[299,300],"Prevention"," Research and Innovation",[18],[303,305],{"tags_id":304},{"id":153,"name":154},{"tags_id":306},{"id":307,"name":308},973,"Corruption",2582,[311],"Prevention Research and Innovation",[18],[314,315],1120,1121,[],[25],[],"2024-02-13T17:01:30.000Z","2026-05-07T21:29:55.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fhow-strategic-corruption-fuels-insecurity-by-affecting-power-2582",{"left":324,"top":324,"width":325,"height":325,"rotate":324,"vFlip":326,"hFlip":326,"body":327},0,20,false,"\u003Cpath fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M17 10a.75.75 0 0 1-.75.75H5.612l4.158 3.96a.75.75 0 1 1-1.04 1.08l-5.5-5.25a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.08l5.5-5.25a.75.75 0 1 1 1.04 1.08L5.612 9.25H16.25A.75.75 0 0 1 17 10\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\u002F>",1780676481762]