UNIS/SGSM/1373
11 December 2023
I am pleased to address this Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and I thank the United States for hosting this important meeting.
For two decades, the Convention has been a guiding light in our efforts against corruption. While we have made significant strides, corruption remains a real threat around the globe.
Corruption not only robs resources, it robs people of hope. Corruption undermines development. Corruption subverts social cohesion and exacerbates inequalities. Corruption fuels distrust in institutions.
Today, the world must leverage the universal goals of the Convention to advance accountability, integrity, and transparency.
To safeguard the rule of law and human rights, and restore trust in a world mired by conflict and violence. To rescue the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind. To protect the environment and enable an effective response to the existential threat of climate change. And to put an end, once and for all, to impunity.
I call on all Parties to use this opportunity to strengthen international cooperation to prevent, detect, and prosecute corruption – in partnership with civil society and the private sector.
Together, we can build resilient institutions, empower citizens, and build a future of justice and equality.
Thank you.
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"On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, I call on countries to heed the lessons of past health emergencies to help prepare for the next." — António Guterres
The new Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations (Vienna), Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, presented her credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
The new Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations (Vienna), Andrew Williams, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
The new Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations (Vienna), Andranik Hovhannisyan, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.