Peter Eigen
Peter Eigen
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Peter Eigen is a well-known German development aid expert and human rights activist.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on October 26, 1940, in Berlin, Germany. Still alive as of 2023.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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German national, human rights activist and development aid expert.
Early Life and Background
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Peter Eigen grew up in post-war Germany. His experiences during this period had a profound impact on his future work. He was deeply affected by the poverty and inequality he witnessed around him, which motivated him to pursue a career in development aid and human rights.
Eigen studied economics at the University of Berlin before pursuing a career in international development. In 1968, he joined the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), where he worked on various projects focused on poverty reduction and economic empowerment in developing countries.
Major Accomplishments
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Peter Eigen's most significant contribution to human rights and development is his role in exposing corruption and promoting transparency in international aid. In 1993, he founded the Transparency International (TI) organization, which has since become a leading global voice against corruption and for greater accountability in governance.
Under Eigen's leadership, TI launched several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at combating corruption in governments, businesses, and institutions worldwide. He was instrumental in raising awareness about the negative impact of corruption on development and human rights, pushing governments and international organizations to take concrete actions to address this issue.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions attributed to Peter Eigen include:
Founding Transparency International (TI) in 1993, which has since become a leading global voice against corruption.
Launching TI's flagship report, The Global Corruption Report, which provides an annual snapshot of the state of corruption worldwide.
* Advocating for greater transparency and accountability in international aid, including efforts to combat bribery and embezzlement in development projects.
Impact and Legacy
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Peter Eigen's work has had a profound impact on the global fight against corruption. Through his tireless advocacy and leadership, he has inspired countless individuals and organizations to join the struggle for greater transparency and accountability in governance.
Under his guidance, Transparency International has grown into a powerful force driving change at both national and international levels. Today, TI has chapters in over 100 countries worldwide, working together to combat corruption and promote human rights.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Peter Eigen is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering commitment to combating corruption and promoting human rights. His vision of a world where people can live free from the scourge of corruption continues to inspire new generations of activists, policymakers, and ordinary citizens.
Through his work with Transparency International, Peter Eigen has left an indelible mark on the global landscape. His legacy serves as a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, individual actions can collectively bring about profound change.
Quotes by Peter Eigen
We have to address individual acts of corruption. This is a necessary approach. Go after these individuals.
Corruption is a major cause of poverty as well as a barrier to overcoming it, .. The two scourges feed off each other, locking their populations in a cycle of misery. Corruption must be vigorously addressed if aid is to make a real difference in freeing people from poverty.
Germany is much more corrupt than previously thought. It's something we should be taking very seriously,
The two scourges feed off each other, locking their populations into a cycle of misery.
There is not sufficient data on other countries, many of which are likely to be very corrupt.
The results of the index are sometimes unjust because they show up countries which are fighting against corruption at this moment, ... Valiant efforts are being made by President Olusegun Obasanjo to promote large-scale changes in a country have been robbed by the grand corruption of their past leaders.
Corruption must be vigorously addressed if aid is to make a real difference in freeing people from poverty.
When countries improve governance and reduce corruption, they reap a 'development dividend' that can include reduction in child mortality rates and increase in per capita income and literacy rates.
Today we have started a dialogue between a champion of the global fight against poverty and the worldwide organization at the vanguard of the anti-corruption movement. This cooperation has the potential to save millions of lives and improve the quality of life for millions more.