# Prioritising governance for sustainable development URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/prioritising-governance-for-sustainable-development Type: News Published: 2015-01-20 Updated: 2019-11-19 --- 20 January 2015 Around the world people remain poor and the planet is damaged when corruption is not tackled. We see this in [resource-rich countries](http://businessdayonline.com/2015/01/new-european-law-may-expose-nigerias-corrupt-oil-deals/) where the majority of citizens live in poverty because too much money is lost to corruption. We see this in war-torn lands, where [corruption feeds insurgency](http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/457624/shiite-militia-seizes-yemen-president-chief-of-staff) and the rule of law is absent. We see this in rich countries where [corruption](http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/22/corruption-lobbying-bribes-biz-corruption09-cx_mm_0122maiello.html) has been used to capture public policy decisions and bribes become part of [public procurement](http://www.newsinenglish.no/2015/01/19/telenor-faces-more-bribery-allegations/). That is why more than 70 organisations and companies from over 20 countries around the world have come together with Transparency International to [remind](http://www.transparency.org/news/feature/joining_forces_to_end_poverty_and_corruption) governments that to end poverty, you must end corruption. We are doing this now as [talks](https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015) are under way in New York to establish what priorities the United Nations with adopt in [September 2015](http://sd.iisd.org/events/un-summit-for-adoption-of-post-2015-development-agenda/) to take forward the fight against poverty that was started in 2000 with the [Millennium Development Goals](http://www.undp.org/mdgs). Transparency International and its partners are urging all those who have been contributing to the intergovernmental talks in New York from 19 to 21 January to prioritise fighting corruption and endorse a stand-alone goal for good governance. In order to eradicate poverty and ensure sustainable development, governments, companies and civil society must collaborate to strengthen transparency, participation and accountability. We should promote open societies, a free media and freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, legal empowerment and the rule of law. We should also join forces to implement anti-corruption measures that enable effective and inclusive economic, social and political institutions at all levels of society.” – Open Statement: Why Strong, Accountable Institutions Matter Beyond 2015. Click [here](http://www.transparency.org/files/content/feature/Sept2014_Statement_Governance_Post-2015_EN.pdf) to read it. This statement amplifies the call made by more than [seven million people](http://data.myworld2015.org/) from 194 countries who have said that “an honest and responsive government” is among their top four concerns for themselves and their families. We believe governments, companies and civil society must come together to ensure that transparent, accountable and inclusive institutions are the norm and not the exception in all countries. This is a call that wealthy and developing countries alike must heed. Those who have signed the statement include [Oxfam International](http://www.oxfam.org/), the global anti-poverty organisation, the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians against Corruption ([GOPAC](http://gopacnetwork.org/)), an international movement of parliamentarians in over 50 countries working to fight corruption, and leading telecommunications giant [Ericsson](http://www.ericsson.com/) from Sweden and mobile operator [Safaricom](http://www.safaricom.co.ke/) in Kenya. ### Take action now By putting governance at the centre of these new commitments, collectively called the post-2015 development goals, the world will ensure that the development promises made in September 2015 are realised by 2030 for all people. The stand-alone governance goal must have targets that are ambitious and good indicators that can be universally measured. It is time to take [action in 2015](http://www.action2015.org/) to end poverty and to ensure the sustainability of our planet for future generations. It is time to end corruption together with Transparency International. For any press inquiries please contact ### You might also like... ## [Anti-corruption gaps are leaving democracy in Europe exposed](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/anti-corruption-gaps-leaving-democracy-europe-exposed) News • 15 September 2026 Too many European countries are failing to effectively implement and enforce their anti-corruption laws, while several are rapidly backsliding. ## [COP Talks: Formal Delegations, Informal Access](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cop30-formal-delegations-informal-access) News • 14 September 2026 Our analysis of EU delegations found 63 fossil fuel-linked representatives accredited through nine EU Member States at COP30, raising concerns over transparency and influence in… ## [Transparency International 2025: while corruption spreads, here's proof change is possible](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/transparency-international-2025-while-corruption-spreads-heres-proof-change-is-possible) News • 17 July 2026 Corruption still involves envelopes of cash under tables in many countries. But it's also evolving. Transparency International's 2025 annual report shows how corruption is taking… ## [Financial intelligence units: Powerful tools against corruption if governments let them work](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/financial-intelligence-units-powerful-tools-against-corruption) News • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can help expose corrupt money flows – but only if governments give them the powers, access and independence to do the job.