Whilst corruption is a well-known phenomenon affecting the lives of millions of people across the world, every day, the likelihood of people discussing it openly depends on the availability of resources and information on the topic. In the aim of gathering reliable data, fostering dialogue and developing new projects, TI Cambodia is conducting in-depth research on corruption and anti-corruption in Cambodia. The three central studies being undertaken are a National Integrity System Assessment (NISA) (hyperlink: http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/nis); a Youth Integrity Survey following the pilot study by Towards Transparency Vietnam (hyperlink: http://transparency.org/regional_pages/asia_pacific/transparency_international_in_vietnam/activities/youth_integrity_anti
_corruption_education); and a compilation of existing studies related to corruption in Cambodia. Once completed, TI Cambodia will make these studies publicly available, providing a resource centre for those that seek information on corruption and anti-corruption in Cambodia. Greater awareness of the corruption issues affecting society will create a stronger demand for integrity. Moreover, further anti-corruption projects and initiatives will be generated based on the findings of the studies.

Fighting corruption in Cambodia remains a dangerous pursuit, so requires collaboration between many institutions and individuals across the entire spectrum of society. Hence, TI Cambodia is committed to working together with leading anti-corruption development partners, the government, private sector and civil society. Events such as the National Anti-Corruption Conference (NACC) will be held annually to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge and build partnerships. Wherever and whenever possible and appropriate, joint projects will be developed to address corruption issues and promote accountability and transparency. The projects will be implemented by relevant institutions and interested organizations in cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Unit. Resulting from increased cooperation between stakeholders, a larger number of individuals and organizations will become part of the Cambodian coalition to fight corruption.

Active participation of citizens is crucial to successfully combating corruption. With this in mind, TI Cambodia will work with the Anti-Corruption Unit and non-governmental organizations to create more opportunities for civil society involvement. Furthermore, citizens will be equipped with knowledge, skills and technical support to implement anti-corruption initiatives. In particular, TI Cambodia will actively promote integrity amongst young people, partnering with leading youth projects across the country. A priority of TI Cambodia is to work with the Anti-Corruption Unit to advocate for the inclusion of integrity and ethical values on the state school curriculum. On top of this, TI Cambodia will work with a dozen schools in both rural and urban areas to promote integrity. The issue of teachers collecting illegal fees from students will be addressed, whilst finding non-corrupt ways to increase teachers' wages. Moreover, TI Cambodia will partner with other organizations and partners to monitor and analyze public service delivery in a few key sectors including health, civil registry and revenue collection.

Maintaining good governance and accountability within TI Cambodia requires its staff and institutions to be equipped with necessary skills, expertise, clear structures, and, checks and balances to ensure ethical practice. Consequently, it is a priority of TI Cambodia to build the capacity of its institutions and core staff members. TI Cambodia has successfully mobilized a group of eminent and highly capable individuals who will establish the foundation of a sustainable presence of Transparency International in Cambodia. On this theme, TI Cambodia will partner with local governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as tapping into the wealth of global expertise offered by the Transparency International movement, on how to build and run an effective anti-corruption organization.

The four strategic goals of TI Cambodia aim to strengthen the demand for accountability and particpation from the Royal Government of Cambodia, the private sector and civil society to fight corruption

Corruption adversely affects millions of people in Cambodia everyday. Together we can end it.