Democracy That Delivers

423 - How Corporate Communication Drives the Fight Against Corruption

This episode, part of CIPE's Rapid Response series and hosted by Frank Brown, explores how corporate communication drives the fight against corruption. Guests Nicola Allocca [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaallocca/] and Mohammed Ahmed [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-ahmed-60918a1/] share insights from their global work in business integrity, highlighting the importance of culture, behavior, and innovative training like Deloitte's "Dilemma" ethics program. The discussion covers "Talk Integrity [https://www.businessatoecd.org/hubfs/Talk%20Integrity%20-%20How%20Corporate%20Communication%20Drives%20the%20Fight%20Against%20Corruption.pdf]," a new policy paper by Business at OECD, emphasizing practical solutions, simplification of standards, and the role of AI in compliance. Key takeaways include integrating integrity into daily practice, tailoring communication, and fostering trust and resilience. The future calls for smarter governance and responsible use of technology. Nicola Allocca is an international executive, independent consultant, and board advisor with more than 25 years of experience across the infrastructure, steel, aerospace, consulting, and retail sectors. He specializes in governance, risk, compliance, business integrity, and responsible AI, helping organizations strengthen resilience, navigate complex regulatory environments, and drive sustainable growth. Nicola currently serves as Chair of the Business at OECD (BIAC) Integrity & Anti-Corruption Committee [https://www.businessatoecd.org/policy/anti-corruption] and Co-Chair of the B20 Integrity & Compliance Task Force. He is also Professor of Responsible Business Conduct at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Mohammed Ahmed is the Global Anti-Corruption and Financial Crime Compliance Leader at Deloitte, where he oversees global policies, standards, and monitoring processes related to anti-corruption and financial crime compliance. He has led Deloitte's global anti-corruption and financial crime compliance function since its inception and has helped shape the firm's strategy on anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, economic sanctions, and export controls compliance. Mohammed currently serves as Vice Chair of the Business at OECD (BIAC) Integrity & Anti-Corruption Committee and is a Board and Audit Committee member of CIPE.

422 - Anti-corruption Windows of Opportunity

Moments of political change don't last long — and whether they lead to reform depends on who is ready to act. In this episode of Democracy That Delivers, CIPE's Michele Crymes speaks with Cheri-Leigh Erasmus of Accountability Lab about how civil society can seize democratic windows of opportunity. They explore why trust, coordination, and preparedness matter more than speed, how funding constraints limit response capacity, and why private sector partnerships are critical to sustainable reform. The takeaway is clear: meaningful democratic progress requires relationships built before the moment arrives — and collaboration across sectors is no longer optional.

421 Australian Perspectives on Southeast Asia and the Pacific with Bill Costello

With Australian Foreign Minister Wong explaining [https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/transcript/interview-david-speers-abc-insiders-0] that Australia and China "are in a state of permanent contest in the Pacific" what are Australia's priorities in the Pacific, as well as in Southeast Asia? How does Australia engage in creative diplomacy, and how can the United States and Australia reinforce each other's efforts in supporting market-oriented democracy in this critical region? CIPE's John Morrell is joined by Bill Costello for a conversation about Australia's perspectives on ASEAN and the Pacific. Bill is Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia Development and Programs with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He was previously Australia's Ambassador to Timor-Leste.

420 - Pacific Pivot with Andrew Harding

As the emerging democracies of the Pacific Islands grapple with development challenges and geopolitics, the region is attracting greater attention from around the world. CIPE's John Morrell speaks with Andrew J. Harding of the Heritage Foundation [https://www.heritage.org/staff/andrew-harding] about his recent article The Pacific Pivot: An American Strategy for the Pacific Islands [https://www.heritage.org/china/report/the-pacific-pivot-american-strategy-the-pacific-islands], which is Heritage's first-ever report outlining a long-term U.S. engagement strategy for the Pacific Islands to support U.S. interests. As part of a special podcast series on Business and Politics in Today's Pacific Islands, Andrew discusses a comprehensive approach to U.S. Pacific policy, and he lays out how to build sustained bipartisan support for increased engagement with Pacific Island Countries.

419 - Chinese Spending and Lending in the Pacific: What Does it Mean?

As part of a special podcast series on Business and Politics in Today's Pacific Islands, CIPE's John Morrell discusses China's growing presence in the Pacific with Paul Barker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-barker-6a19b710/], Executive Director of the Institute for National Affairs (INA) [https://inapng.com/] in Papua New Guinea. INA is the leading independent policy think tank in PNG, and is among the most influential thought leaders in the Pacific region. Paul discusses political developments in PNG, the role of China in political debates in the country and across the Pacific, and the impact of China's influence in Pacific Island Countries. Listeners will hear the perspectives of Pacific people on these geopolitical dynamics.