2024 Corruption Perceptions Index: Arab Region's Performance Amid Rising Climate Action Concerns

Arab Region - Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Transparency International released the results of the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which assesses 180 countries and territories worldwide by their perceived levels of public sector on a scale ranging from zero (most corrupt) to 100  (least corrupt). The results revealed that the majority of countries are still unable to make significant progress in combating corruption, at least as it relates to this index.

In its statement on the index, Transparency International emphasized that "global corruption levels remain alarmingly high”. The report noted “As corruption grows in scale and complexity, over two thirds of countries now score below the mid-point on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The global average for the index remained steady at 43 points. Denmark maintained its position as the world’s least corrupt country, with a score of 90 points, followed by Finland, which gained one point this year, reaching 88 points. In contrast, South Sudan ranked last with a score of 8 points. Detailed country results can be accessed via the provided link.

In the Arab region, there was a slight regional decline, with the regional average dropping from 34 points to 33 points compared to last year, compared to the global average of 42 points. Among the 21 Arab countries included in the index, 8 countries showed improvement. Oman advanced by 12 points, followed by Bahrain, which gained 11 points. Saudi Arabia improved by 7 points, while Jordan and Iraq showed progress with 3 points each. Djibouti, Qatar, and Comoros advanced by 1 point each. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates maintained its position as the leading Arab country with 68 points, while Kuwait (46) and Mauritania (30) kept the same scores as last year.

One interesting aspect highlighted in the report is the link between anti-corruption and climate action. The report showed that many countries participating in international climate action, including those particularly vulnerable to climate risks, have low or declining scores on the Corruption Perceptions Index, versus countries prepared to tackle the effects of climate action are among the highest-ranking on the CPI (example: Denmark. In this context, Transparency International’s CEO, Maíra Martini, stated, "It is imperative that urgent action is taken to root out corruption so that meaningful climate action is not undermined by undue influence, theft and misuse of funds. Governments and multilateral organizations must integrate anti-corruption measures into climate efforts in order to safeguard climate finance and reestablish trust in climate initiatives. This will strengthen the resilience and impact of climate action".

It is important to note that the Corruption Perceptions Index is a composite index based on data collected from thirteen sub-indicators produced by reputable organizations that measure perceptions of corruption and expert and business opinions regarding corruption in the public sector. Despite the criticisms the index faces from governments and independent experts, the Corruption Perceptions Index remains one of the most globally recognized metrics in anti-corruption.