Corruption has generally worsened over the last few years, as reflected by numerous declining scores in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), It undermines the rule of law, diverts resources from essential services, erodes trust in institutions and leaders, and stifles economic growth. As USAID Administrator Samantha Power has said, “Corruption is basically development in reverse.”
Recognizing the global significance of this issue, Dexis joined a diverse coalition of public and private sector representatives, civil society activists, media professionals, academics, and young leaders at the 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC). During the event, vibrant discussions covered critical issues such as systemic corruption, the use of dirty money, and the increasing power of organized crime.
The Dexis delegation attends the 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Dexis also organized a side event focusing on refining strategies that consolidate the gains of anti-corruption reforms. During the roundtable, Dexis shared experiences and learnings from its anti-corruption portfolio, including the following:
Capacity Strengthening in Armenia
Through the USAID/Armenia Integrity Project, Dexis strengthens the capacity of the Armenian government and CSOs, providing demand-driven technical assistance to corruption prevention institutions with a particular focus on the newly established Corruption Prevention Commission. Dexis also assists key government bodies charged with implementing Armenia’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy and engages public sector institutions and CSOs in a multi-stakeholder approach to hold each other accountable and embark on a collective action to counter corruption.
Combatting Corruption in Guatemala
As part of the USAID/Justice and Transparency Project, Dexis introduced a new approach to combat corruption within government institutions that centers on building internal investigation units within line ministries—known as probity units—to prevent and punish corruption. Probity units have uncovered networks of corruption within these institutions and led to the dismissal and prosecution of corrupt civil servants. Because of its success, additional line Ministries in Guatemala have requested Dexis’ support to implement the approach, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism.
Improving Access to Justice in Mali
Through its seven years of implementation, the USAID/Mali Justice Project provided legal services, advocacy, and public information to reduce corruption along key trade corridors. This included opening Citizens’ Advocacy Offices (CAOs) to assist victims of corruption. In addition to raising awareness among citizens and business operators about the impact of corruption and available remedies, Dexis supported development of a mobile app, allowing citizens to instantly report occurrences of corruption to the CAOs. Dexis’ anti-corruption work in Mali continues through the recently awarded Sariya Bato program.
Dexis hosted a roundtable discussion to share lessons learned from anti-corruption work and to build coalitions among like-minded actors fighting for integrity and accountability in their countries and internationally.
Promoting Transparency in Mexico
Under the USAID/Mexico ProIntegridad Activity, Dexis works with regulatory and audit institutions to promote transparency in financial and procurement processes and support subnational participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP). In addition, Dexis is developing practical integrity and compliance instruments for Mexican companies, enabling them to participate in global supply chains, and is building the capacity of civil society to provide oversight of public and private sector activities and promote the use of open and ethical business practices.
Justice Reform in Moldova
As part of the USAID/Justice and Anti-Corruption Reform Activity, Dexis is focused on strengthening the institutional capacities of key anti-corruption institutions including the National Anti-Corruption Center (NAC) and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (APO). The Activity provides targeted public sector budgeting support to APO as it expands its autonomy from central institutions and supports NAC’s prevention division to expand the impact of its anti-corruption education activities.
Advancing Good Governance in Timor-Leste
Dexis’ recently launched the USAID/Accountability and Integrity Mechanism Activity in Timor-Leste, part of USAID’s new generation of democracy support for the new USAID Anti-Corruption Policy. Focused on advance good governance in the Asia-Pacific and globally, the Activity has three objectives: 1) Improving the ability of national oversight agencies to effectively address corruption challenges; 2) Reinforcing the accountability ecosystem and strengthening the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions, Parliament, political parties, media and civil society; and 3) Addressing foreign malign influence.
Though our USG funded programs and in cooperation with other implementing partners, more than 30 of our cooperating country partners also attended the International Anti-Corruption Conference.
Takeaways from the event included the need for robust protection and support systems for activists and journalists who expose corruption at great risk to their safety; harnessing technology’s opportunities and mitigating its risks to increase transparency and accountability; engaging the private sector to sustain anti-corruption achievements.
As the conference concluded, it is evident that a global effort is essential to combat the growing threats to democracy and human rights. The urgency to unite and take concrete action has never been greater in our global fight against corruption and injustice.
