UNIS/CP/1164
8 December 2023
Two decades ago, the international community made history by adopting the UN Convention against Corruption – the UNCAC.
As we commemorate its 20th anniversary, the Convention embodies the vision of a world where integrity prevails.
By leveraging the UNCAC, we prevent resources from being siphoned away from public services and crisis response.
We recover stolen assets and disrupt illicit financial flows.
We cut off revenue streams for organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations.
And we uphold the rule of law and promote public trust, strengthening the foundation for peace and security, human rights, and our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Through the Convention, the international community has taken major strides against corruption, establishing strong legal frameworks, reforming institutions, and bolstering international cooperation.
As the guardian of the UNCAC, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime has proudly supported Parties in honouring their commitments, and helped more countries accede.
Today, the UNCAC is near-universal with 190 Parties, a remarkable milestone that speaks to a shared global commitment.
We must build on this milestone going forward.
We must step up our efforts to end impunity and face emerging corruption risks, from the corruption enabling the destruction of our planet to the use of new technology for money-laundering, and beyond.
And we must empower anti-corruption champions, especially among youth and women, and boost partnerships with civil society, academia, and the private sector.
This International Anti-Corruption Day let’s reaffirm our commitment to the UNCAC for a world truly united against corruption.
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