Combating corruption and enhancing transparency are fundamental pillars for building institutions capable of achieving sustainable development and fostering trust between citizens and the state. Corruption, in all its forms, such as bribery, favoritism, and the waste of public funds, weakens institutional efficiency and undermines social justice. On the other hand, transparency creates an environment of accountability that enables institutions to perform their tasks effectively, contributing to economic and political stability. These pillars can form the foundation for effective institutions through several key factors, which can be summarized as follows:<br /><br />Strong Legal Framework: Corruption cannot be fought without strict laws that criminalize it and impose deterrent penalties on violators. This requires (comprehensive legislation, an independent judiciary, and international commitment).<br /><br />Transparency and Access to Information (Citizen Empowerment): Transparency means making data related to institutional decisions and agreements available, allowing citizens to track performance. This can be achieved through (freedom of information laws, open data platforms).<br /><br />Accountability Mechanism (From Evaluation to Punishment): Accountability means holding the negligent accountable and rewarding the distinguished, through (independent oversight bodies, protection for whistleblowers, regular audits, community participation, technology, innovation, and education and awareness).<br /><br />Thus, combating corruption is not an easy task, but it is an investment in the future of institutions and societies. By combining a strong legal framework, transparency, technology, and participation, institutions can be transformed into robust structures that achieve justice and respond to the aspirations of the people.<br />This article is closely linked to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):<br /><br />Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: The article focuses on combating corruption, enhancing transparency, and promoting accountability, all of which are essential to building effective and just institutions. A strong legal framework, transparency, and accountability mechanisms are fundamental for achieving this goal.<br /><br />Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities: By tackling corruption and ensuring transparency, the article contributes to reducing inequalities in governance, ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities, and promoting social justice.<br /><br />Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article highlights the importance of international commitment and cooperation in fighting corruption and ensuring accountability, which aligns with strengthening partnerships at global, national, and local levels for sustainable development.<br /><br />Thus, the article contributes to:<br /><br />Goal 16: Promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.<br />Goal 10: Reduce inequalities.<br />Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the leading private university in Iraq.