Corruption is a serious obstacle to development. It is particularly pernicious to the poorest and most vulnerable, increasing costs for and reducing access to basic services, such as health, education, social programs, and even justice. Corruption exacerbates inequality and reduces levels of investment to the detriment of markets, job opportunities, and economies. Corruption can also undermine a country’s response to emergencies, and if unaddressed can erode the trust and confidence that citizens have for their leaders and institutions, creating social friction and increasing the risk of fragility, conflict, and violence. 
 
Combatting corruption is a priority for the World Bank. As part of this commitment, the World Bank is convening its International Corruption Hunters Alliance (ICHA) Forum to gather front-line anticorruption practitioners from around the world to engage in dialogue on the challenges, but also the solutions for advancing the global anticorruption agenda.

Deputy Head of the Independent Integrity Unit Albert Lihalakha and Integrity and Compliance Manager Sanjeev Narrainen will be attending the forum to speak on a panel about integrity and climate finance.