The Foreign Service Journal, June 2016

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2016 27 Implementation of key international mechanisms, such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption, also enables us to hold countries accountable in fulfilling their obligations under international standards. INL provides foreign assistance to experts from international organizations focused on combat- ing corruption to bolster our efforts in international asset recovery, government transparency and judicial integrity. For example, we support Interpol workshops where law enforce- ment officials from different countries can cooperate more closely in recovering stolen assets. State Department funding has also enabled U.N. mentors to train anti-corruption authori- ties in West Africa and Central America. Political Will INL and the rest of the State Department will continue our work to strengthen justice systems, train law enforcement and build institutions with partners committed to reducing wide- spread corruption within their own countries. But anti-corrup- tion policies are only as good as the political will that exists to enforce them, and citizens’ willingness to hold their govern- ments accountable is a key contributor to that political will. This is why U.S. assistance will continue to support a broad range of sectors and needs, adjusting to emerging trends. Our programs will focus not just on good governance, but on addressing the causes and facilitators of corruption. This is not just a moral fight for more ethical, just societies. It is an economic fight for fair, accountable, transparent systems that allow for growth. And it is a fight we must wage both within our borders and alongside our international partners to protect our economic growth and stability, our security and our future. Good governance is a goal we cannot afford to ignore. n This is not just a moral fight for more ethical, just societies. It is an economic fight for fair, accountable, transparent systems that allow for growth.