Regional Symposium "Anti-Corruption and Integrity in Arab Countries: Reviewing Progress and Building Forward"

Organized by: UNDP ACIAC

On 29 June 2025, leading anti-corruption and integrity figures from across the Arab States region convened at the UNDP Regional Hub in Amman to celebrate the successful conclusion of the third phase of the Regional Project on Anti-Corruption and Integrity in Arab Countries (ACIAC). Launched in December 2019 in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the project significantly strengthened South-South cooperation across 20 countries and directly contributed to concrete anti-corruption reforms in seven countries.

ACIAC III enabled key achievements on three fronts. First, it supported the adoption of new policies and laws and the strengthening of institutional capacities, raising levels of compliance with the UN Convention against Corruption. Second, it helped institutionalize corruption prevention and risk management measures in the health, water, education, and transportation sectors—saving valuable resources from diversion and improving public service delivery. Third, it empowered regional collective action networks to lead research, dialogue, and advocacy, accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions—and building forward with integrity.

The symposium also recognized, in cooperation with the Arab Anti-Corruption and Integrity Network, champions from across the region—including judges, administrators, and youth leaders—who were recognized for their consistent and significant contributions to these efforts. Among them was Judge Carl Irani (State Council, Lebanon), recipient of the 2024 Anti-Corruption Champion Award by the U.S. Department of State. He is recognized for his courageous judicial decisions, active role as a governmental expert, and contributions as a university instructor promoting integrity education. He is also one of the key shapers of his country’s national anti-corruption strategy.

Also recognized was Mr. Moez Sliti, Director General of Governance at the Ministry of Water Resources (Tunisia) and recipient of the 2025 Sharjah Award for Public Finance by the Arab Administrative Development Organization. He is acknowledged for successfully integrating corruption risk management into the ministry, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in water resource management.

Voices from more than 6,000 stakeholders engaged throughout the project were amplified through compelling testimonies and forward-looking reflections on the next phase of regional cooperation.