With the recent conference on UN Convention on Corruption (UNCAC) implementation in Doha on November 9-13, anti-corruption efforts are a hot topic in the Middle East and North Africa. At a minimum, the Doha gathering focused the attention of government bodies tasked with implementing the agreement, and the final statement of this conference encourages the state parties to adopt a robust implementation plan. Although most Arab states have signed and ratified UNCAC, implementation has been weak and anti-corruption advocates are using the tool as a point of pressure on their governments. Indeed, they have an uphill battle to fight: international barometers and indicators, such as the recently released Corruption Perception Index (CPI), an annual ranking produced by Transparency International, consistently place MENA at the bottom of the barrel with some exceptions in the Gulf. It is widely accepted that corruption is rampant in most of the region, and that its detrimental effects serve to deepen poverty, sustain unresponsive regimes, and thwart the potential for economic growth.
It should be acknowledged, however, that there has been a marked change in the past several years. In cases where mention of corruption would have been taboo, it is now openly recognized and debated. From King Mohammed in Morocco to Yemeni President Ali Saleh, many state leaders have publicly committed to fighting corruption. But of course, public pronouncements by presidents and kings and emirs and ministers are woefully insufficient, and if that is the extent of their commitment then it will not result in concrete change. It is political will at the highest level that is necessary to make a real dent, and it seems that this is exactly what is lacking.
The final statement at the UNCAC conference called upon these organs to develop concrete implementation and monitoring plans. It also clearly stated that implementation efforts must include the private sector. Though this may seem like an obvious point, to date, there has been a lack of outreach to work with the business community in addressing the scourge of corruption. The national anti-corruption bodies often try to reach out to civil society organizations, including watchdog groups and the media, but there is a notable absence of involvement by the private sector.
Learning from the experience of other countries, the MENA region would be well-served to embrace the idea that the private sector can and must become a leading advocate for anti-corruption reform. While the burden of reducing corruption has traditionally been placed on governments, business communities should lead anti-corruption efforts. The business community can take initiative by advancing legal and regulatory reforms and in the private sector through improved corporate governance and voluntary standards.
Published Date: December 02, 2009