# World Bank passes vital anti-corruption measures

URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/press/20060731-world-bank-passes-vital-anti-corruption-measures
Type: Press release
Published: 2006-07-31
Updated: 2020-04-07

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31 July 2006

**The World Bank approved sanctions reform and guidelines to implement the Voluntary Disclosure Programme, as called for by TI**

The World Bank approved sanctions reform and guidelines to implement the [Voluntary Disclosure Programme](http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTABOUTUS/ORGANIZATION/ORGUNITS/EXTDOII/EXTVOLDISPRO/0,,menuPK:2720511~pagePK:64168427~piPK:64168435~theSitePK:2720459,00.html), as called for by Transparency International.

**On sanctions reform:**

- The World Bank’s board of directors today approved the expansion of current definitions of fraud and corruption beyond procurement-related offences, making them actionable wherever they occur.
- A fully effective anti-corruption programme requires common standards and definitions, and a consistent approach. TI recognises the progress of multilateral development institutions in developing common standards and definitions, and urges the boards of the other institutions to adopt them promptly.
- The Bank should now build on its commitment by convening the sanctions board approved by the board of directors last year, and making it operational.
- TI looks forward to a fully transparent and participatory consultation process as the Bank undertakes further anti-corruption reforms.

**On the Voluntary Disclosure Programme:**

- The board also adopted guidelines to implement the Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP).
- VDP provides for confidentiality and deferred sanction, provided that companies disclosing corrupt activities undertake stringent reforms, including anti-bribery programmes and external monitors.
- Thus, it creates incentives for more ethical corporate conduct.
- VDP can help promote prosecution by national authorities, in keeping with the G8’s pledge in St Petersburg to enforce anti-bribery laws more vigorously.
- VDP will increase understanding of corruption in Bank projects and provide a stronger basis for addressing it.
- The implementation and monitoring of strong anti-bribery programmes required by VDP build on longstanding recommendations by Transparency International.

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