New Network Launched to Tackle Corruption

Corruption has a direct and damaging impact on the daily lives of billions of people. It undermines the ability of governments to deliver essential services and erodes public trust in institutions and officials alike. From petty bribes to large-scale embezzlement of public funds, corruption fuels transnational crime, wastes public resources, skews electoral competition and destabilizes societies. Poor governance, weak oversight and a lack of transparency create both the opportunity and incentive for corruption to flourish. 

In contrast, good governance – defined by the legitimate, accountable and effective use of public power in the pursuit of widely accepted social goals – can reduce corruption and foster more sustainable and equitable growth. 

To deepen understanding of the political incentives and governance structures that can either hinder or drive reform at the local level, NDI has launched a new peer-to-peer network with the Open Government Partnership (OGP). This initiative leverages the expertise of anti-corruption reformers and advocates from around the world to advance the fight against corruption. 

Coordinated by OGP-Local member governments, including the leadership of Lisbon, Portugal; Peñalolén, Chile; Plateau State, Nigeria; San Joaquín, Chile; and Yerevan, Armenia, this collaboration aims to exchange practical insights on what works, what doesn’t, and why.

The OGP Local Anti-Corruption Learning Circle brings together representatives from local and national governments, civil society and academia to explore common challenges, identify promising opportunities and innovations, and share practical lessons emerging from the experiences of local governments implementing anti-corruption and public integrity reforms across the world.

As corruption continues to undermine democratic institutions and global stability, initiatives like the OGP Local Anti-Corruption Learning Circle offer a powerful model for collective action. By connecting reformers across borders and sectors, this effort not only builds capacity but also contributes to a growing global movement for integrity and accountable governance. Through shared learning, innovation, and collaboration, OGP and NDI are helping to shift the balance, replacing opacity with openness and impunity with accountability.