Locations
Regional Project on Anti-Corruption and Integrity In the Arab Countries (ACIAC)
UNDP is positioned at the forefront of the governance and anti-corruption agenda, advancing dialogue and action on an issue once largely considered taboo in development programming. Its related regional work is carried out in the framework of it regional project on “Anti-Corruption and Integrity in the Arab Countries” (ACIAC).
ACIAC leverages UNDP’s extensive governance portfolio, its diverse internal expertise in relevant development areas, and its vast network of experts and partners to strengthen cooperation and promote collective action against corruption in the Arab region thanks to two decades of consistent and effective engagement at the regional, country and local levels.What we do / Impact
Since its inception in 2011, the Anti-Corruption and Integrity in Arab Countries (ACIAC) project has been instrumental in promoting transparent and accountable governance across the Arab region.
ACIAC enables institutions and systems to address awareness, prevention, and enforcement of anti-corruption measures to maximize resource availability for poverty eradication and contribute to inclusive and effective governance in alignment with SDG 16 and national priorities. It implements interconnected activities that are designed to promote the de jure and de facto implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption, institutionalize corruption prevention in key vulnerable sectors to enhance public administration, including health, transport, education, energy and water, and mobilize sustainable, regional, evidence-based support for the achievement of SDG 16 through an anti-corruption lens in the framework of the Arab Anti-Corruption and Integrity Network (ACINET).
While seeking to achieve those outcomes, the project addresses cross-cutting areas, namely women empowerment and citizen engagement focusing on the youth. Recognizing the differentiated needs and engagement methods of youth, women and people with disabilities, the project prioritizes inclusive engagement at multiple levels, embodying the principle of leaving no one behind (LNOB).
Aim of the project
The project started in 2011 – 2023.
From 2019 onwards, ACIAC's primary aim is to enhance multi-country cooperation to promote the effective and inclusive implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption. Another key output is the institutionalization of corruption risk management processes in key vulnerable sectors across the region. ACIAC also focuses on supporting the Arab Anti-Corruption and Integrity Network (ACINET) to evolve into the region's leading sustainable organization dedicated to promoting SDG 16.
Gender-sensitive transparency and accountability measures constitute another important aspect of ACIAC's work. ACIAC works to strengthen these measures to empower women in government, business, and society.
Our Team
Arkan El Seblani - Regional Chief Anti-Corruption and Integrity Advisor
Anouar Ben Khelifa - Senior Anti-Corruption and Integrity Specialist
Haytham Yassine - Senior Anti-Corruption and Integrity Specialist
Ornella Najem - Coordination and Communications Officer
Yasmin Fadlallah - Anti-Corruption and Integrity Analyst
Donors & Partners
The Anti-Corruption and Integrity in Arab Countries (ACIAC) project is supported by a range of dedicated donors, partners, and beneficiaries. Beneficiaries include anti-corruption agencies, financial and administrative oversight bodies, justice institutions, parliaments, sectoral ministries, civil society organizations, women and youth groups across the Arab region. Key donors over the years have included the US State Department (2011-2018), the Siemens Integrity Initiative (2015-2019), Korea International Cooperation Agency (2019-2025), Global Affairs Canada (2022-2023), and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (2024).
ACIAC’s partners include the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Health Organization, the World Customs Organization, the World Bank, Transparency International, and the League of Arab states, all of whom contribute to strengthening the project’s impact and outreach.
Its direct beneficiaries for this include anti-corruption agencies, justice and audit institutions, relevant ministries, and public institutions, as well as parliamentarians, private sector, civil society organizations, and women and youth groups.