The 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development. At its core is the notion that tackling this crime is the right and responsibility of everyone, and that only through cooperation and the involvement of each and every person and institution can we overcome the negative impact of this crime. States, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth alike all have a role to play in this.
With the theme of this year's International Anti-Corruption Day, UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption, we intend to celebrate not only this significant milestone in global anti-corruption endeavours but also the improvements brought about by the collective efforts supported by the Convention. Equally crucial is our examination of the remaining gaps that need addressing to ensure that this mechanism continues to grow stronger in the years ahead.
Join us on this day and beyond as we continue to build a world #UnitedAgainstCorruption.
Corruption is a major impediment to peace, security and development. From education to the environment, from business to sports, from gender equality to access to justice, and more – corruption undermines all areas of society’s development.
Corruption, conflict and instability are meanwhile profoundly intertwined. Corruption not only follows conflict but is also frequently one of its root causes. It fuels conflict and inhibits peace processes by undermining the rule of law, worsening poverty, facilitating the illicit use of resources, and providing financing for armed conflict.
Promoting transparency and strengthening institutions are therefore critical for sustaining peace.
In 2003, the world came together to adopt a landmark agreement – the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Since then, 190 parties have committed to the Convention’s anti-corruption obligations, showing near-universal recognition of the importance of good governance, accountability, and political commitment.
The world today faces some of its greatest challenges in many generations – challenges which threaten prosperity and stability for people across the globe. At its 20th anniversary and beyond, this Convention and the values it promotes are more important than ever.
Preventing corruption is crucial if the targets foreseen in the Sustainable Development Goals are to be met. These 17 Goals – a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future” – offer us a way to help protect our environment, create jobs, achieve gender equality, and secure wider access to essential services such as health care and education.
