September 9, 2025

Corruption does not decline through slogans or annual ceremonies. It declines when leaders enforce measurable safeguards, strengthen internal control, and uphold the discipline of good governance. International Anti-Corruption Day exposes an uncomfortable truth: too many institutions still treat corruption prevention as a public statement rather than a management responsibility.

The American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI) stands apart because we target the only group capable of changing outcomes—decision makers and those who set the tone at the top. Conventions, regulations, and compliance frameworks fail when boards and executives lack the competence or the will to implement them.

Today, we reaffirm something sharper than awareness: accountability. The AACI Ten Principles of Fighting Corruption (https://www.theaaci.net/Principles-of-Fighting-Corruption/) and our expanding Standards on Fighting Corruption (https://www.theaaci.net/Standards-on-Fighting-Corruption-(SFCs)/) provide leaders with a practical roadmap to deter, prevent, detect, and help correct corruption before it becomes systemic.

This day is not about symbolic commitments. It is a call to every board member, executive, regulator, and public official to examine whether their decisions strengthen integrity—or weaken it.

Together, Empowering Tone at the Top.