Lima
Declaration 

Durban
Commitment

Annan, Kofi, United Nations Secretary-General:
on "Global Integrity in a Changing World"

In the interdependent global village in which we live, corruption, together with many other modern phenomena, transcends national borders and is beyond the power of any single nation to address. A global effort is needed. The UN and its agencies recognise that integrity and good governance are essential building blocks for meeting the objectives of sustainable development, prosperity and peace. Other national and international actors, such as the EU, the Council of Europe, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the OECD, and the United States government have undertaken initiatives towards increasing good governance and reducing corruption. All countries have joined together in the United Nations General Assembly and adopted an International Code of Conduct for Public Officials and a Declaration against Corruption and Bribery in International Commercial Transactions.

Wolfensohn, James: President of The World Bank
Address to Conference

For the World Bank, there is no issue more important than corruption, because it impacts directly on equity, which fundamentally affects the deepening poverty around the world. According to a World Bank study on the concerns of the poor, the corruption experienced in their daily lives is a consistently high priority. The role of the Bank has been to bring the topic of corruption into open and international discussion. Now partnerships for real change are needed; the Bank can only help in building local coalitions to this end.

Mogae, Festus, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana
Corruption and the North-South Dilemma

Political leaders must be realistic in their self-examination; one should not be misled by the absence of specific reports of acts of corruption but rather see what systemic failures, cost overruns and delayed or incomplete infrastructure developments are likely to have been the result of corruption. Most important is adequate political will to ensure that combative action is taken. If an anti-corruption campaign is to succeed the Government of the day must be prepared to risk potential embarrassment to itself, and there must be an accompanying realisation that whatever mechanisms are put in place, they must be so organised and structured that the campaign and the campaigners have unfettered operational autonomy. 'Zero tolerance' is the only realistic policy option for implementing effective anti- corruption measures. Several actions taken by the Government of Botswana are listed.

Maathai, Wangari, Co-ordinator, The Green Belt Movement:
Developing Anti-corruption Strategies in a Changing World: Global Challenges to Civil Society

Corruption in Africa is largely a historical legacy of colonialism, which fundamentally shaped the current political culture of most African polities. Those who are corrupt prosper, and are therefore often considered to be role models, rather than those who retain their integrity but are poor and unsuccessful. This is the case at all level of society, including the grass roots. The power of the people to hold their leaders accountable is constrained by this attitude. Several contributions which civil society can make to change this situation are noted.

Wilson, Robert, Chairman of Rio Tinto:
International Business and the Return on Integrity

Private enterprise has a social responsibility to the countries in which it works, which includes integrity and transparency. Taking part in bribing and corruption, even in countries where it is wide-spread, has more long-term costs than short-term gains. Rio Tinto, an international mining firm, has a strong anti-corruption culture and clear codes of conduct as well as internal controls. Other firms should also develop and enforce codes of conduct; there is also room for more regulation on the part of governments acting through international organisations such as the OECD.

Paiva, Paolo, Vice President, Planning & Administration, Interamerican Developement Bank
Address to Conference

Corruption must be addressed at a supranational level. The Interamerican Development Bank, as driven by its member states, has taken on an expanded concept of development and public sector reform, which includes good-governance and anti-corruption programmes. The Bank is also concerned to increase its internal transparency and ensure the highest standards of integrity. The stage of awareness raising about corruption is past, and now the implementation phase lies ahead.