10 June –

On 21 May 2025, the UNCAC Coalition held its second online regional meeting of the year, focused on “Financial Resilience and Sustainability of Anti-Corruption Organizations in the SWANA Region.” The meeting brought together almost all CSO group members of the alongside colleagues from the Vienna Hub. Against a backdrop of rising regional instability and shrinking donor support, participants gathered to examine urgent financial challenges and shape shared priorities for the year ahead.

Navigating a Crisis of Sustainability

In 2025, anti-corruption organizations across the SWANA region have been severely impacted by the suspension of USAID programs and a broader decline in support from key Western donors. This shift, combined with the global de-prioritization of anti-corruption in foreign policy, has left many organizations exposed. A regional survey conducted by the UNCAC Coalition earlier this year revealed growing financial fragility and diminishing civic space—conditions that threaten the very survival of many civil society groups.

Survey Results and Regional Priorities for 2025

A key component of the meeting was the presentation and discussion of the 2025 civil society survey results. These findings underscored widespread concerns across the region about organizational sustainability and the urgent need for greater support. Respondents highlighted three clear priorities:

• Access to Information: Many organizations reported challenges in obtaining timely and relevant information to support their anti-corruption work. Improved transparency, open data access, and shared resources were identified as crucial needs.
  
  
• Capacity Building: There is strong demand for training and technical support, especially in areas such as financial management, strategic communications, and legal frameworks. Building organizational resilience starts with investing in people and skills.
  
  
• Networking and Collaboration: Respondents emphasized the value of peer learning and regional coordination. Strengthening networks can enhance collective advocacy, improve knowledge sharing, and help mitigate isolation.

The meeting also helped align these regional priorities with the broader agenda in the lead-up to the 11th Conference of the States Parties (CoSP11), ensuring that SWANA voices are present and influential in global anti-corruption dialogues.

Representation and Leadership

Another important agenda item was the upcoming UNCAC Coalition Board elections. Participants discussed the significance of ensuring meaningful representation for the SWANA region within the Coalition’s governance structures. Regional representation was seen as vital for ensuring that local needs and contexts are reflected in global strategies and decision-making processes.

Commitments and Next Steps

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the systemic risks facing the sector and a collective commitment to advancing practical solutions.

The UNCAC Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to supporting members through improved access to information, tailored capacity-building programs, and stronger networking platforms to foster resilience.

Furthermore, the SWANA group members decided to continue the discussion on possible CoSP11 action in a concrete way, with a view of possibly organizing a CoSP side event that will discuss civil society’s experience and engagement in UNCAC implementation in the region.

The Coalition invites its members and partners to continue engaging, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a stronger anti-corruption community in the SWANA region.