Facing the challenge:

From an idea that began percolating two decades ago, and which was quickly dismissed by the establishment, Transparency International (TI), and the anti-corruption agenda, have grown in influence and scope. TI began its work in 1993 by raising awareness about corruption, conducting research to diagnose the problem in its different forms, and proposing measures that lead to structural change. Such reforms are necessary in the public and private sectors in order to effectively prevent this crime and sanction corruption once it happens.

Fighting corruption means, in some cases, a trade-off between political costs and social achievements. It requires conviction and the rejection of abuse of power. Major changes do not happen overnight. But the benefits are so numerous that we all have an obligation to try. Together civil society and business together with governments, could change the entrenched practices that limit productivity, efficiency and ultimately, growth and progress in our societies.

When most of the countries ranked in the 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index score lower than five, it is clear that corruption is an undeniable challenge. As the Group of 20 adopts economic and financial sector reforms, it is essential to address corruption as a significant threat to a sustainable economic future. The G20 should keep its commitment to seek public support for key reforms and ensure civil society input.

Preventing corruption efficiently requires, at a minimum, a well-functioning judicial system, transparency in the flow of public funds, and a private sector that conducts business with integrity. Nationally and globally, institutions of oversight and legal frameworks that are actually enforced, coupled with smarter, more effective regulation, will ensure lower levels of corruption. This will lead to a much-needed increase of trust in public institutions, sustained economic growth, and more effective development assistance. Most importantly, it will alleviate the enormous scale of human suffering in too many countries.