CDB says fighting corruption is critical to Caribbean development

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has marked International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 by underscoring its commitment to transparency, integrity and accountability across the region, saying these principles remain central to effective development.

In a statement issued Monday, CDB President Daniel Best said corruption continues to be one of the world’s most significant barriers to sustainable development. Citing figures highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, he noted that US$1 trillion is paid in bribes annually and another US$2.6 trillion is stolen through corruption — losses that directly reduce access to essential infrastructure, health, and education.

Best said anti-corruption measures are not “ancillary” to the CDB’s mandate but essential to enabling Borrowing Member Countries to secure the resources required for growth. Strong governance frameworks, he added, allow the Bank to deliver on its mission of reducing poverty and building resilient economies.

For the past decade, the Bank’s Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Accountability has led its governance framework, providing capacity-building support to member states, including training on anti-corruption practices, compliance systems, and good governance standards.

This year’s theme — “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” — aligns with the CDB’s operational focus on youth development. The Bank said young people bring “fresh perspectives, technological fluency, and a determination to challenge outdated practices,” making them essential partners in strengthening transparency across the region. CDB emphasized its support for youth-led initiatives and platforms that amplify young voices in governance discussions.

With global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals lagging, the CDB reiterated its pledge to work with governments, civil society, and especially young people to build systems that operate with “unwavering integrity” and ensure development resources reach those they are meant to serve.