World Bank anti-corruption strategy must be priority, says Transparency International

Since its establishment in 1993, Transparency International has campaigned to convince the leadership of the World Bank that it has a critical role to play in curbing corruption in order to reduce poverty, human rights abuses and undemocratic forms of government around the world.

In recent years, the Bank has committed to combat corruption in its operations and internally. Transparency International is deeply concerned that the current controversy could negatively affect the Bank’s wider anti-corruption efforts, in particular the Governance and Anti-corruption Strategy. Implementation of the strategy should remain a top institutional priority to ensure that funds are used for the purposes intended and best fulfill the Bank’s poverty reduction mandate.

The World Bank's credibility and leadership depend on the Board of Directors, including the Ethics Committee, the President and staff upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Like all organisations, the Bank must have systems and rules in place to ensure adherence to these standards. These rules must be vigorously enforced. Clearly in this case, serious errors of judgment and a breakdown in the system for handling conflicts of interest have occurred.

Transparent and swift resolution of this situation is crucial. At stake is the ability of the World Bank to meet its vital responsibility to reduce poverty.

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Transparency International is the civil society organisation leading the global fight against corruption