Good governance

Poor governance and corruption are associated with higher inequality and lower economic growth. Both have a direct impact on social systems, such as health, education and access to employment. It hurts the most vulnerable parts of society and prevents social mobility and equal access to economic opportunities. Consequently, the OSCE supports good economic governance, robust anti-money laundering regimes, solid ethics infrastructure, and sound financial and resource management in its participating States.

Our focus in this area is to tackle such aspects of weak governance as corruption and money laundering, promote respect for the rule of law, increase transparency and develop effective legislation as the foundation of a functioning state. This includes supporting national reforms and transparency initiatives, the development and implementation of more effective anti-corruption policies, and the introduction of mechanisms that help participating States create robust anti-money laundering regimes, a solid ethics infrastructure, and sound financial and resource management. We also help States review their respective legislative systems and legislation.

Our institutions and offices

Both the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights work on good governance issues. The former promotes good governance in the context of combating corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The latter focuses more on the quality and effectiveness of laws related to the human dimension and supports participating States by reviewing their law-making systems and relevant draft and existing legislation.