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Masterclass on Anti-Corruption

Review of the fifth Masterclass on 27 October 2021

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On October 27, 2021, the fifth Masterclass organized by the Governance Fund took place, this time on the topic of anti-corruption. In the two-hour online event Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, Professor of Democracy Studies at the Hertie School of Governance, spoke about why some countries manage to get a grip on corruption and others fail. 35 staff members of partner organizations and GIZ from Africa, Asia and Europe participated.

After a brief introduction by Jannis Ludwig of the Governance Fund and moderator Kah Walla, Professor Mungiu-Pippidi, who also heads the European Research Centre for Anti-Corruption and State-Building (ERCAS), began her presentation. She made clear that the fight against corruption should focus on systemic changes, for example in the areas of judicial independence, budget transparency and press freedom, rather than on anti-corruption agencies.

In response to the question of what this means for development organizations like GIZ and how they can support the fight against corruption, Professor Mungiu-Pippidi outlined some starting points. These include:

• strengthening civil society and the media to address transparency issues
• seizing opportunities when countries join regional institutions and organizations that require higher levels of transparency (e.g. NATO, OECD)
• identifying and supporting anti-corruption forerunners

Due to Professor Mungiu-Pippidi's wealth of experience, the Masterclass was very informative and led to a lively discussion. It became clear that the topic is of great interest and importance, as it impacts human rights, poverty, economic growth, and migration. It also became apparent that the topic has not yet been exhausted and that the strategies with which development cooperation can support the fight against corruption should be deepened.