UNIS/CP/570
13 October 2008

International Anti-Corruption Academy Established in Austria

VIENNA, 13 October (UN Information Service) - An agreement was signed today between the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to establish the International Anti-Corruption Academy. The Academy, to be located in Laxenburg, just outside of Vienna, will open its doors in autumn 2009.

"This partnership agreement between INTERPOL and UNODC to establish the world's first and only International Anti-Corruption Academy demonstrates our common resolve and commitment to educate and train police, government officials and others to fight this serious criminal conduct which threatens the security and safety of citizens around the world", said INTERPOL Secretary-General Ronald K. Noble.

The Academy is designed to be a centre of excellence in anti-corruption education, research, and professional training. It has a two-pronged mission: to develop curricula and training tools; and to conduct training courses and anti-corruption education. "This will strengthen capacity to prevent, measure and fight corruption", said the Executive Director of UNODC, Antonio Maria Costa.

Mr. Costa highlighted the practical benefits of the Academy, particularly the training of experts working in anti-corruption agencies and financial intelligence units. "This Academy will train corruption officers so as to guarantee integrity in the conduct of business, both public and private", said Mr. Costa. He also stressed the importance of educating future generations of leaders in government, the private sector and civil society "to build a culture of integrity". 

The Academy will enable more effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption which includes measures related to prevention, criminalization and law enforcement, international cooperation, and asset recovery.

Among the next steps to be taken before the Academy opens its doors are: the finalization of administrative, legal and organizational arrangements; development of a work programme, curriculum and budget; the appointment of a Director; the determination of admission criteria; and accreditation of the Academy under Austrian law. 

INTERPOL and UNODC will be seeking partnerships with other international organizations, such as the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as well as academic institutions and the private sector regarding their possible contribution to the functioning and the funding of the Academy.

* *** *
For information, please contact:

Rachael Billington
Chief Press Officer
INTERPOL
Telephone: (+33-4) 72 44 71 69
E-mail: press@interpol.int

Walter Kemp
Spokesman and Speechwriter
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-5629
Mobile : (+43-699) 1459-5629
E-mail: walter.kemp@unodc.org