On 6 Feburary 2025, at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, IDI hosted a dynamic panel discussion exploring a critical question: What does it take to fight corruption and build stronger integrity systems? The consensus was clear—no single actor can do it alone. It takes a network. Learn more about the key takeaways and learnings from the invited thoughtleaders present at the event below.
Collaboration as a Driving Force
Ms. Malou Mangahas from the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition (R2KRN) emphasised the power of bringing together diverse stakeholders. Governments, civil society organisations (CSOs), businesses, academia, youth groups, and even critics and skeptics all have a role to play. The strength of integrity systems comes not just from individual institutions, but from how well they collaborate in pursuit of common goals—transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen participation.
The coalition’s work demonstrates the importance of shared power. By building inclusive networks, groups like R2KRN have been able to advocate for access to information laws, improve transparency in public procurement and strengthen election integrity. However, as Ms. Mangahas highlighted, trust is key. Genuine efforts to collaborate must be based on openness, mutual respect, and a commitment to truth.
Lessons from Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis
Sri Lanka’s recent economic collapse exposed not just financial mismanagement but also serious governance failures. As Ms. Sankhitha Gunaratne of Verité Research pointed out, this was the first time the International Monetary Fund (IMF) acknowledged governance as a root cause of a crisis in Asia. Local CSOs seized this moment to push for reforms, providing critical insights on state capture and demanding accountability in the IMF negotiations.
Despite initial resistance, sustained pressure from a coalition of six CSOs ensured that governance reforms became part of the conversation. They conducted independent assessments and shared research to hold decision-makers accountable. Their experience underscores a crucial point: civil society is most effective when it has credibility, strong evidence, and strategic alliances.
Citizen Engagement in Oversight and Auditing: Global Examples
Atty. Rahabansa Dagalangit from the Commission on Audit of the Republic of the Philippines (COA) highlighted the role of citizen engagement in government oversight. The Philippines has institutionalised citizen participatory audits, allowing CSOs and the public to be involved in auditing government programs. COA also invests in digital platforms to enhance efficiency and transparency in its audit processes.
Yet challenges remain, including ensuring that anti-corruption institutions remain independent and resilient to political influence. Speakers agreed that sustained engagement—rather than one-time consultations—is essential for real impact.
In Armenia, the Armenian Lawyers Association (ALA) has taken a proactive approach to integrity-building. By forming an anti-corruption coalition with over 60 CSOs, they have successfully pushed for legal reforms, including whistleblower protections and beneficial ownership transparency. Their evidence-based policy advocacy, supported by strong research and legal expertise, has made them a credible voice in governance reform.
Their work also highlights the role of academia in supporting anti-corruption efforts. Researchers and scholars can provide the in-depth analysis and data-driven insights that strengthen CSO advocacy. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, academia plays a vital role in ensuring reforms are not only well-designed but also effectively implemented.
Key Takeaways: Building a Stronger Integrity Network
The panel discussion reinforced that the fight against corruption and the strengthening of integrity systems require collective action. Some key takeaways include:
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Networks matter: No single organisation or institution can drive reform alone. Partnerships across sectors create greater impact.
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Trust is fundamental: Effective collaboration depends on openness, credibility, and accountability on all sides.
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Action is necessary: Research, advocacy, and public participation must translate into concrete reforms.
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Sustained engagement is critical: One-time consultations are not enough; continuous dialogue and pressure are needed to achieve lasting change.
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As OGP and its partners continue working to advance transparency and accountability, this discussion served as a powerful reminder: integrity is a collective effort. Strengthening networks, fostering trust, and ensuring sustained action is key to IDI in driving meaningful change with our stakeholder networks in governance across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.