This panel marks the launch of the second OECD Anti-Corruption and Integrity Outlook. Drawing on the OECD Public Integrity Indicators, the Outlook demonstrates that while countries have made significant progress in the last two years, there remains scope to improve. Speakers will explore how addressing gaps in countries’ anti-corruption and integrity systems is vital to governments’ ability to confront evolving challenges such as organised crime, to their efforts to develop the efficiency and reliability of public services, and to their work to improve delivery through stronger public procurement processes. The panel will shape the global discussion on how strong anti-corruption measures can support prosperous economies and stable, dignified societies.

Too often seen as a cost, compliance is increasingly recognised as a source of resilience and competitive advantage. This session will explore how robust anti-bribery compliance systems reduce risk, lower costs, and create long-term value for firms and markets. Case studies and emerging evidence will highlight how collective action can level the playing field, how ‘good corporate behaviour’ may correlate with stronger corporate performance, and how investors, rating agencies, and boards view integrity as a marker of sustainable growth. Discussions will also consider the role of governments in reinforcing market incentives, such as through procurement, export credits, or ESG-linked lending, so that compliance is not a burden but a business asset that drives performance and trust.

While Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries have largely adopted anti-corruption and integrity strategies and introduced more robust regulatory frameworks in this field, effective implementation on the ground remains a persistent challenge. This side event will bring together practitioners from across the MENA region who work in integrity and related fields to examine the factors that hinder the implementation of these strategies and regulations and identify areas requiring particular attention to ensure that anti-corruption and integrity measures are fully translated into practice. These may include the development of stronger monitoring and evaluation frameworks, broader whole-of-government and whole-of-society engagement, engaging local governments in planning and implementation, and more robust data to inform decision-making.

To attract foreign direct investment and foster domestic entrepreneurship, governments across the world seek to improve macro conditions for companies. In this context, integrity and rule of law are threshold issues that determine where companies choose to grow and invest. Panellists from major multinationals and corruption prevention authorities will discuss how companies can work together proactively with officials at the centre of government to improve the business environment. The session will cover both consultation with companies on national anti-corruption and integrity strategies as an important mechanism as well as the impact of practical interventions, such as public-private peer-to-peer learning.

Governments are facing growing pressure to ensure budget discipline and maximise the impact of public spending amid fiscal constraints. The use of data analytics and AI can support governments to prevent fraud, detect wrongdoing, and recover money. This improves public finances and increases citizens’ trust that taxpayer funds are managed appropriately. This session will explore countries’ approaches to showcasing the return on investment of fraud prevention measures and promoting their adoption. Speakers will share how the use of data analytics and AI can support cost-savings and value for money.