Pope Francis has called corruption "the gangrene of a people." U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has labeled it a "radicalizer," because it "destroys faith in legitimate authority." And British Prime Minister David Cameron has described it as "one of the greatest enemies of progress in our time."

Corruption, put simply, is the abuse of public office for personal gain. As leaders increasingly recognize, it is a menace to development, human dignity and global security. World leaders, together with representatives from business and civil society, were given a critical opportunity this week to act on this recognition at an anti-corruption summit in London.

Corruption is decried across cultures and throughout history. It has existed as long as government has; but, like other crimes, it has grown increasingly sophisticated over the last several decades, with devastating effects on the well-being and dignity of countless innocent citizens.