Transparency International (TI) is a global non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to combating corruption and promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity at all levels of society. Here’s a detailed look at what Transparency International is and how it works:
Overview
- Founded: 1993
- Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
- Presence: Operates through a network of more than 100 national chapters and chapters-in-formation worldwide.
Mission and Goals
- Mission: To stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in government, business, and society.
- Goals:
- Raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption.
- Advocate for legal and institutional reforms to combat corruption.
- Support and empower citizens and organizations to take action against corruption.
Key Activities and Tools
Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI):
- An annual ranking of countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, as seen by experts and businesspeople. It is one of the most widely used indicators of corruption worldwide.
Global Corruption Barometer (GCB):
- A public opinion survey that assesses citizens’ views and experiences of corruption in their respective countries. It highlights how corruption impacts people’s lives and how they respond to it.
Advocacy and Policy Research:
- Conducts research on corruption-related issues and produces reports, policy papers, and guidelines to inform and influence policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations.
Legal Advice Centres (ALACs):
- Provides free legal advice and support to victims and witnesses of corruption. ALACs operate in many countries, helping individuals report corruption and seek redress.
Anti-Corruption Tools and Resources:
- Develops practical tools and resources for governments, businesses, and civil society to enhance transparency and fight corruption. These include transparency pacts, integrity pacts, and public procurement monitoring systems.
Capacity Building and Training:
- Offers training programs and workshops to build the capacity of individuals and organizations to combat corruption. This includes training for government officials, business leaders, and civil society activists.
Campaigns and Public Engagement:
- Engages in public awareness campaigns to mobilize citizens and build a global movement against corruption. These campaigns often target key issues such as political corruption, corporate bribery, and illicit financial flows.
Structure and Governance
- International Board of Directors: Elected by the Annual Membership Meeting, the board oversees the organization’s strategic direction and ensures effective governance.
- National Chapters: Operate independently but align with TI’s mission and principles. They implement projects and initiatives tailored to their local contexts.
- Secretariat: Based in Berlin, it coordinates the global network, supports national chapters, and manages international programs and campaigns.
Funding
- Sources: TI is funded through a combination of government grants, foundation grants, corporate donations, and individual contributions. It maintains strict policies to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure independence.
Impact
- TI has been instrumental in putting corruption on the global agenda, influencing the creation and implementation of international anti-corruption conventions, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
- It has contributed to significant policy changes and reforms in various countries, promoting greater transparency and accountability.
In summary, Transparency International plays a crucial role in the global fight against corruption through its research, advocacy, support for victims, and capacity-building activities. By working with a diverse network of partners and stakeholders, it seeks to create a world free from corruption where integrity prevails in all aspects of society.
