The cost of corruption around the world is at least $2.6 trillion, or 5 percent of the global gross domestic product, according to World Economic Forum estimates. A report by the World Bank says that businesses and individuals pay more than $1 trillion in bribes every year.

Corruption is a global phenomenon and it requires great collective and individual effort to prevent the misappropriation of funds. More than 60 years ago, Saudi Arabia devised a system to fight corruption, ensure transparency and promote integrity. However, that system did not achieve its desired goal until the 2019 restructuring of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, commonly known as Nazaha. The authority was reformed and given exceptional powers on the orders of King Salman.

Nazaha invited people to lodge complaints against corruption and corrupt officials through various channels that it opened for the purpose. Following the launch of the service, the number of corruption-related complaints reportedly increased by 300 percent between 2016 and 2019. The trend continued in 2020, as well. Nazaha is also carrying out media campaigns to raise public awareness about the importance of reporting corrupt practices and officials.

Citizens’ participation in reporting irregularities began with the late TV presenter Suleiman Al-Issa through his popular show “With the People,” which aired from 1974 to 1999. In those days, Saudis were averse to filing such complaints because of a lack of confidence in the relevant bodies and a fear of the possible consequences, legal or otherwise, of locking horns with powerful officials.

Saudi Arabia is leaving no stone unturned to fight corruption in all its forms. The authorities are using social media and other forms of modern communication to eradicate graft and enable Saudis to get their issues resolved without harassment.

Most ministries and government bodies have launched online services giving citizens the opportunity to lodge their complaints and to offer suggestions on how to improve government facilities. These steps are part of the Vision 2030 reforms under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that aim to revolutionize the country and ensure transparency in all public deals and expenditures.

The Saudi Vision 2030 works to build a balanced Saudi personality. It aims to create a society full of justice and goodness and to invest in all members of society.

An Arab citizen elsewhere in the region recently objected to government corruption in his country, shouting: “We want Prince Mohammed bin Salman in our country,” and this is an endorsement of the vision of MBS and the excellent team he is leading.