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9 December 2017 - Today marks this year's International Anti-Corruption Day with UNODC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) calling for people across the globe to join a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about corruption and take action against this crime.
Every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes and an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption, representing more than 5 per cent of the global GDP. In this regard, the campaign slogan 'United against corruption, for development, peace and security' urges Governments, the private sector, and the general public to jointly tackle this issue.
Painting a bleak picture, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said: "Corruption has a catastrophic impact on societies; it stifles opportunities, denying vulnerable people access to infrastructure, and condemns them to lives of inequality and inequity."
Noting that the crime haunted successive generations affecting countless numbers of people, Mr. Fedotov said that "If people are to be removed from poverty and economic growth promoted, the world must stand united against corruption." However, achieving this requires making determined use of the sharpest tools: universal adoption and full implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption.
To date, 183 States are parties to the Convention. Emphasizing the need for further progress, the UNODC Executive Director said that anti-corruption partnerships formed with the private sector, civil society and academia could ensure that everyone is united in ending corruption.
Anti-corruption is an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It calls for substantial reductions in corruption as part of the efforts to build peaceful and inclusive societies under Goal 16.
Similar to last year, activities marking International Anti-Corruption Day are being carried out by UNODC field offices, civil society organizations, Governments, and individuals to raise awareness about corruption. Events focusing on anti-corruption efforts range from meetings with the press to commemorations as part of the wider public outreach.
Also, an extensive social media campaign has been rolled out in the lead up to the day. Campaign materials are available on the International Anti-Corruption Day microsite, including a set of multi-language posters, which illustrate the impact of corruption in many areas: education, health, infrastructure, and others.
Further information:
UNODC Executive Director's statement on the International Anti-Corruption Day
International Anti-Corruption Day campaign website