What is most likely to cause economic and social reform to fail? I think all the people present in the hall might be surprised to hear that the main reason is corruption. This was announced today, November 19, during the meeting held within the framework of the autumn session of the OSCE PA in Yerevan, Alexandra Habershon, the manager of prevention, risk knowledge of the World Bank’s integrity department.
According to Habershon, we usually associate corruption with financial costs, but it is clear that it is not only financial costs. corruption undermines key development goals and outcomes in all aspects of education, health and human capital.
“And I think that today the World Bank is paying important attention to the fact that this will undermine our response to climate change and deepen conflicts,” said the representative of the World Bank.
Then Alexandra Habershon presented the work that the World Bank is doing in the context of corruption and conflicts.
He said there is now evidence that corruption is a driver of conflict and can exacerbate instability.
“How does this corruption lead to conflicts?” It undermines the ability of institutions to deliver essential services, respond to shocks, cope with shocks and provide security. As a result, corruption also undermines the perception that governments serve all communities and groups equally and inclusively, and thereby undermines trust in institutions. Therefore, the fight against corruption should be at the core of efforts to establish and restore peace,” said the representative of the World Bank.
According to him, research has also shown that conflicts around the world indicate that a short-term emphasis on stability and peaceful settlement may not take into account the risks associated with corruption.
“It’s often a trade-off that will cost much more in the long run. They can prolong conflicts and undermine institutions and state construction in the long run,” Habershon emphasized.
Moreover, he noted that the sequence and priority of anti-corruption reforms varies depending on the country and the situation.
“It really depends a lot on the local context, but there are a lot of tools,” Haberschon said, adding that the question is which tools to use on a case-by-case basis.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Alexandra Habershon, World Bank Integrity Department Manager
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Alexandra, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss a pressing issue that came to light during the recent OSCE PA meeting in Yerevan. You highlighted corruption as a leading cause of economic and social reform failures. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is the case?
Alexandra Habershon: Thank you for having me. Absolutely, it was indeed a significant point raised during our discussions. While many people often think of corruption solely in financial terms, its impacts extend beyond just monetary losses. Corruption fundamentally undermines essential development goals across various sectors—be it education, healthcare, or human capital development.
Time.news Editor: That’s a critical insight. How exactly does corruption impede these sectors, and can you give specific examples?
Alexandra Habershon: Certainly. In education, for example, corruption can manifest as misallocation of funds which denies children essential resources like textbooks and trained teachers. In health, it can lead to the diversion of funds allocated for vaccines or medical supplies, jeopardizing public health outcomes. These failures don’t just hinder progress; they can also create a sense of disenfranchisement within communities.
Time.news Editor: Interesting. You mentioned that corruption can exacerbate conflicts as well. Can you explain the connection between corruption and conflict?
Alexandra Habershon: Yes, the correlation is quite significant. Corruption erodes institutions’ capabilities to provide critical services and can destabilize the societal structure. When institutions fail to deliver on their promises—be it maintaining public safety, accessing healthcare, or offering educational opportunities—people’s trust in government fades. This mistrust can lead to unrest and conflict, as communities feel marginalized or excluded.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a vicious cycle. You also mentioned that the World Bank is focusing more on these issues in relation to climate change. How does corruption connect to environmental challenges?
Alexandra Habershon: Great question. Climate change and environmental issues are heavily intertwined with governance and institutional integrity. Corruption can siphon off funds intended for green initiatives, undermine regulations meant to protect our environment, and lead to unsustainable practices. Essentially, if we are to effectively combat climate change, addressing corruption is paramount, as it weakens global efforts and resources aimed at environmental protection.
Time.news Editor: Given these complex interrelations, what are some actionable steps that organizations like the World Bank and governments can take to combat corruption?
Alexandra Habershon: There are several strategies we can employ. First, transparency and accountability must be at the core of governance. This can involve implementing systems that ensure public funds are tracked and spent appropriately. Moreover, fostering a culture of inclusivity so that all societal groups feel represented and heard can rebuild trust in institutions. international collaboration is crucial; as many corrupt practices cross borders, a unified approach enhances effectiveness.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Alexandra. Your insights illuminate the urgent need for systemic change in addressing corruption. It’s clear that this is not just a financial issue, but a fundamental human challenge that affects the very fabric of society.
Alexandra Habershon: Exactly, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it. Fighting corruption is not just a priority for institutions like the World Bank; it’s a shared responsibility among all stakeholders in society.
Time.news Editor: Thank you once again for your valuable contributions. We hope to continue this dialogue as we work towards effective solutions.
Alexandra Habershon: Thank you! I look forward to it.