Every year, a staggering $2 trillion vanishes into the black hole of corruption and illicit financial flows. This isn't just about missing money; it's about shattered trust, derailed development, and a direct threat to our global goals for climate, biodiversity, and a better future for all. But here's the silver lining: countries that harness the power of data effectively are turning the tide. They're designing smarter reforms, rebuilding trust, and strengthening governance. That's why we're here today, thanks to the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) of Saudi Arabia, and the invaluable contributions of our co-organizers – IACA, UNODC, the World Bank, OECD, and our dedicated partners like the IMF, UN Global Compact, U4 Resource Centre, Transparency International, the Basel Institute on Governance, the Government Transparency Institute, and the IMD Competitiveness Centre.
Since our inaugural global gathering in Vienna in 2023, we've learned a crucial lesson: data collection isn't just a technical chore; it's the bedrock of evidence-based integrity systems.
Over the next three days, we'll delve into the progress, challenges, and future pathways of corruption measurement. But before we dive in, let me highlight two game-changing opportunities we must seize:
First, tackling corruption isn't just about morality; it's about unlocking resources for development. Take public procurement, for instance. It accounts for a whopping 30% of global public spending – roughly $13 trillion annually – yet it's a hotbed for mismanagement and private gain. UNDP and the Government Transparency Institute (GTI) analyzed 70 million public procurement contracts across 51 countries from 2017 to 2024, uncovering significant integrity risks often linked to entrenched corruption. Strengthening integrity in this sector alone could save billions, freeing up vital funds for development.
And this is the part most people miss: by focusing on high-risk areas like procurement, we can achieve maximum impact with targeted interventions.
Second, we finally have the political will to recognize that measuring corruption is the first step to defeating it. The 2021 UN General Assembly special session against corruption, resolutions from the Conference of the State Parties to UNCAC, and the SDG 16 monitoring frameworks all emphasize the critical role of data and indicators in guiding effective policy reforms.
But here's where it gets controversial: while we've made strides, significant gaps remain. We still lack actionable data and reliable indicators. Many national data ecosystems are fragmented, under-resourced, and lack the coordination needed for systematic data collection. National statistical offices and anti-corruption authorities often operate in silos, as do international organizations and development partners.
Furthermore, while new technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and big data analytics offer powerful tools for corruption measurement, we must ensure they're used ethically and inclusively, enhancing accuracy, trust, and transparency.
So, where do we go from here? I see three key areas demanding our attention:
Integrate corruption data into national strategies, particularly in high-risk sectors like procurement, public services, infrastructure, justice, taxation, and customs.
Move beyond compliance and measure the real-world impact of anti-corruption policies, strategies, institutions, and frameworks.
Strengthen global coordination. While efforts are growing, they remain fragmented. We need greater harmonization in data production, dissemination, and use, fostering collaboration not only between statistical and anti-corruption communities but also among international organizations and relevant institutions, guided by principles like the Vienna Principles on Corruption Measurement.
As a concrete contribution, UNDP is launching the Anti-Corruption Compass, a global data dashboard hosted on anti-corruption.org. This platform provides standardized methodologies, indicators, global trend analysis, and country-specific insights, with a special focus on public procurement and business experiences with bribery.
Let's use this conference as a springboard for action. Let's bridge the gaps, harness the power of data, and build a future where corruption no longer steals our resources and undermines our progress.
Thank you for your commitment and participation. I look forward to productive discussions and a successful conference.
Now, let's spark some debate: Do you think technology can truly be a game-changer in the fight against corruption, or does it introduce new risks and challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
