During the eighth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Abu Dhabi, 16-20 December 2019, over 45 on-site special events will be held at the ADNEC, organized by Governments, Departments and Agencies of the United Nations, Intergovernmental and Non-Governmental Organizations and UNODC.
Please see below the Programme of the on-site Special Events. [Click on the event's title for more information]:
| Events Calendar |
Monday, 16 December 2019
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 1
International initiatives for the prevention of corruption: short to long-term perspectives
In October 2018, a group of State agencies signed the Declaration for the establishing the Network of Corruption Prevention agencies. This was the achievement of a one year long series of meetings and negotiation, initiated by the Italian Anti-Corruption Agency (ANAC). The International Network of Corruption Prevention Agencies (NCPA) aims at, on the one hand, assembling and strengthening collaboration among peer corruption prevention agencies around the globe and, on the other hand, recognizing and promoting solid standards and good practices typical to the prevention of corruption. At the event, the features of the NCPA and of other regional networks of prevention of corruption authorities were presented. In addition, the main achievements and challenges related to the work of prevention of corruption agencies were discussed drawing attention and building consensus on the vital role of the prevention of corruption and its tools. The event also aimed at expanding the membership of the Network, including partnering with similar regional initiatives, and gathering ideas for potential activities of the Network and establish closer links and channels of communication among corruption prevention entities. At the event, the Comptroller General of Brazil announced its intention to join the NCPA.
The event was opened by Mr. Wagner Rosario, Minister of the Office of the Comptroller General of Brazil and by Ms. Nicoletta Parisi, Board Member of the Italian Anti-Corruption Agency (ANAC). The following speakers presented regional initiatives on prevention of corruption, including regional networks: Mr. Charles Duchaine, Director of the French Anti-Corruption Agency (AFA), current Chair of the International Network of Corruption Prevention Agencies (NCPA); Mr. Francis Ben Kaifal, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission in Sierra Leone and President of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA); Mr. Jeffrey Schlagenhauf, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD; Ms. Natacha Sarkis, Head of Anti-Corruption at the Ministry of State for Administrative Reform, Lebanon and Member of ACINET; Mr. Khalid Hamid, Executive Director of the State Audit Institution of the UAE, Member of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). The event was moderated by Mr. Francesco Clementucci, Senior Adviser, Italian Anti-Corruption Agency (ANAC).
For additional information, please contact:
Nicoletta Parisi
Italian Anti-Corruption Agency (ANAC)
n.parisi@anticorruzione.it
Francesco Clementucci
Italian Anti-Corruption Agency (ANAC)
f.clementucci@anticorruzione.it
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 5
Grand corruption as a major obstacle to the SDGs
Grand corruption affects any of the SDGs. Indeed, corruption is a bottleneck to all SDGs and anti-corruption an accelerator to the SDGs. SDG 16 is an enabler of all the other SDGs. If the international community succeeds in achieving SDG 16, it will be able to make progress in achieving the other SDGs. The impact of grand corruption on other SDGs has been studied by Transparency International and other organizations. When vast amounts of public assets end up in private pockets, then the capacity to devote resources to essential public services is undermined. Transparency International has compiled three country cases studies looking at the impact of grand corruption on public policy in various sectors and SDG achievement: (1) Guatemala in the health sector (SDG 3); (2) Maldives in the environment sector; and (3) Mozambique in the fight against poverty (SDG 1). UNODC drew attention to CoSP resolution 7/2, which was followed by three expert group meetings reflected in document CAC/COSP/2019/13. The Lima and Oslo Statements on Corruption involving Vast Quantities of Assets comprise recommendations for policymakers at the international and national levels. Some remaining challenges were highlighted by Norway, in particular, the issue of safe havens, the lack of accountability for enablers (including banks), and the absence of sectoral policies (e.g. fisheries sector). UNDP focused on the links between grand corruption and climate change, looking, for example, at the illegal timber trade involving estimated amounts of 30 to 100 billion $US. Stronger links between the anti-corruption community and the climate change community had to be established. The funds established to combat climate change also present corruption risks, like any mega funds. Transparency International argued that the issue of impunity and the issue of grand corruption deserved more attention, notably in the years to come. Peru also emphasized the costs of corruption and noted that grand corruption is not about instances of corruption, but about networks of criminals that penetrate State structures with the involvement of senior politicians, judges, prosecutors, auditors and powerful communication means. Impunity needs to end and trust needs to be rebuilt. The protection of those in the front line is critical: prosecutors, anti-corruption officials, witnesses, whistle-blowers and investigative journalists. More international cooperation is essential. Either the international community puts an end to grand corruption or the SDGs will remain a pending agenda.
The session was moderated by Ms. Delia Ferreira Rubio, Chair, Transparency International, and the following speakers took the floor:
- Mr. John Brandolino, Director, Division for Treaty Affairs, UNODC
- Ambassador Kjersti Ertresvaag Andersen, Norway
- Mr. Anga Timilsina, Global Programme Adviser on Anti-Corruption, UNDP
- Mr. Nelson Eduardo Shack Yalta, Controlar General de la Republica, Peru
For additional information, please contact:
Alonso Esquivel
Permanent Mission of Peru
aesquivel@embaperu.at
Gillian Dell
TI
gdell@transparency.org
Lise Stensrud
Norad
lise.stensrud@norad.no
Agenda:
Presentations:
John Brandolino
Kjersti Ertresvaag Andersen
Anga Timilsina
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 6
Safeguarding Sport from Corruption
Preventing corruption in sport is key in order to protecting and strengthening its integrity. This was recognised by the States parties when they adopted resolution 7/8 on corruption in sport in November 2017 at the 7th Session of the Conference of the States parties to the UNCAC. The side-event in Abu Dhabi highlighted recent initiatives and activities taken by governments, sports organizations and international organizations to promote implementation of the resolution and serve to promote partnerships and joint actions in this area. It also helped serve as an information point for delegates to come and learn more about related issues and which was helpful to support and prepare for negotiations related to the resolution on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption, which was adopted at the conference.
Moderator:
Ronan O’Laoire, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Speakers:
Andrey Avetisyan, Ambassador at Large, International Anti-Corruption Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Russian Federation,
Pâquerette Girard Zappelli, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, International Olympic Committee
Ahmed Alosaymi, Head of Integrity, Legal Affairs, Asian Football Confederation
Paolo Bertaccini, Adviser to the Head of Italian Government Office for Sport, Office for Sport, Italy
Alex Marshall, General Manager, Anti-Corruption Unit, International Cricket Council
For additional information, please contact:
Ronan O'Laoire
UNODC
ronan.olaoire@un.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 4
Integrity starts here: Make a contribution to the global fight against corruption
The special event will be dedicated to the presentation of Kazakhstan’s experience in its fight against corruption. It is also going to showcase the country’s good practices in implementing the UN Convention against Corruption and cooperation with other international stakeholders including UNODC.
For additional information, please contact:
Azat Nurkenov
Second Secretary
a.nurkenov@kazakhstan.at
Agenda:
Presentations:
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 5
From measuring progress to measuring impact: The 2nd national corruption survey in Nigeria
The event is geared towards engaging delegations in an exchange of experiences and methodologies to measure corruption as an important element in terms of assessing the impact of Government’s efforts in effectively implementing UNCAC.
For additional information, please contact:
Oliver Stolpe
UNODC
oliver.stolpe@un.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 6
Corruption is still a major threat around the globe. Many governments and leaders of foresight make great efforts to curb corruption by developing effective strategies in fighting and preventing corruption. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has in place an effective anti-corruption regime that goes beyond investigation. The Hong Kong’s anti-corruption regime, in particular its preventive measures in corruption risk management and civic participation embodies the relevant articles set out in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), especially in advocating the existence of coordinated anti-corruption policies and practices to prevent corruption in all sectors.
This special event organised by the Independent Commission Against Corruption, HKSAR of PRC will encourage international exchanges on the effective strategies and best practices of preventing corruption through system control and public engagement.
For additional information, please contact:
Mr Lawrence Chung
Principal International Liaison & Training Officer
lwhchung@adm.icac.org.hk
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 1
Digitalisation as a game changer to strengthen business integrity in SMEs
In this special event, organised by the Alliance for Integrity, experts and practitioners discussed the topic "Digitalisation as a game changer to strengthen business integrity in SMEs". Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in most economies, especially in developing and emerging markets. Mitigating corruption risks in businesses is a difficult task and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This is especially true for SMEs that face challenges such as limited personnel and financial resources for compliance. The special event presented good practice examples from Argentina, Brazil and Ghana that show how digital solutions can support efforts in the area of business integrity. In Brazil, the "Integrity Journey" links up business targets of SMEs, such as becoming a supplier of a large company or participating in a public tender, with the effective implementation of a compliance programme. The Integrity Journey includes ten steps that mix in-person and digital components in areas such as credibly communicating a tone from the top, conducting risk assessments and designing internal guidelines. In Argentina, the “Integrity Passport” was piloted to improve the follow-up and effectiveness of compliance trainings for SMEs. Digital tools featured in the programme include webinars, self-assessments through TheIntegrityApp and mentoring sessions with experienced compliance officers. In contrast, the approach presented from Ghana focuses on creating behavioural change at the individual level. The Ghana Institute of Engineering and the Alliance for Integrity are developing a scenario-based learning or serious game that engineers will have to pass to get certification. The scenario-based learning makes use of gamification to raise awareness and to teach ethics and integrity to engineers.
For additional information, please contact:
Amanda Rocha
Alliance for Integrity
amanda.rocha@giz.de
Florian Lair
Alliance for Integrity
florian.lair@giz.de
Agenda:
English
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 5
On the pathway to UNGASS 2021: Innovative ideas to tackle corruption
Preparations for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Corruption are underway, and in order to have a substantive and meaningful outcome, it is important that the international community starts discussing and exchanging views on how to take full advantage of this event. Although important progress has been achieved since the entry into force of UNCAC, corruption is still a serious and deeply rooted crime that is affecting societies, institutions and democracy. Therefore, it is necessary to have an open and inclusive debate in order to identify innovative ideas and approaches on what else can be done, what is missing, and what ways and means are available or are needed, in order to overcome obstacles when fighting corruption, including by ending impunity and addressing the different forms of corruption.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia opened the event and referred to UN General Assembly Resolution 73/191 deciding to convene a Special session of the General Assembly on challenges and measures to prevent and combat corruption and strengthen international cooperation in the first half of 2021. There is still a long way until UNGASS 2021 to further reflect on and analyse innovative ideas to tackle corruption. Corruption constitutes a threat to the progress and welfare of people. Everyone is committed to do more in our collective fight against corruption.
The Director for Treaty Affairs at UNODC stressed the uniqueness of this Special Session. It indicates that corruption is now a priority issue. The UN General Assembly has tasked the COSP with leading the preparatory process and tasked itself with adopting a political declaration through intergovernmental negotiations, which should start next year. UNODC developed a website (www.ungass2021.org) which will collect contributions from Member States and Non-Governmental Organizations, making these contributions available publicly. The UN Secretariat will continue to facilitate discussions among UN Member States.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia noted that in all our countries, rich and poor, we are witnessing how corruption has become a pandemic. Corruption erodes the basis of our society in the political, economic and social spheres. Reducing it has been included in the global development agenda. Corruption is a major barrier to sustainable development. That is why Colombia convened a special session at the UN General Assembly. Colombia is insisting on improving international cooperation and strengthening the existing mechanisms. The Convention has elevated corruption from a national concern to an international concern. The annual cost of corruption is very high and corruption is linked to other forms of organized crime, terrorism, illicit trade of arms, etc. In the most troubled countries of the world, corruption is not part of the system. Corruption is the system. Colombia considers that we must strengthen our institutions, and, perhaps, most important, that we need to create an international anti-corruption court to hold those accountable who enjoy impunity in their own countries because they control the administration of justice.
The Permanent Representative of Peru called for innovative initiatives that include the support and commitment of all States parties in order to achieve the consensus required. He referred to the 57 commitments adopted by Latin-American countries in Peru, as well as the online follow-up mechanism developed with the Organization of American States to register progress in fulfilling the commitments. Furthermore, three ideas to advance the global fight against corruption were put forward: (1) Examine the gaps in the UNCAC that allow for the existence of sanctuaries for thieves and study how to reinforce cooperation mechanism to recover stolen assets; (2) Strengthen national criminal justice systems and improve cooperation between judiciaries; (3) Consider establishing an open ended working group to review gaps and make proposals that could eventually lead the international community to adopt a protocol to UNCAC.
Malaysia’s Chief Anti-Corruption Commissioner explained about Malaysia’s experience dealing with on-going prosecution of large-scale corruption, involving the highest-level officials, large sums of money and numerous countries. It is not simple and straightforward. This corruption led to a transition of power. What would have happened if there where no such change? Malaysia had a peaceful change of power, but many countries are not as fortunate. The international cooperation is on-going involving enforcement authorities form various countries with multiple claims against assets. This is not easy. Mutual Legal Assistance is a complicated system. Considering all of this, just having simple cooperation may not be enough. The political situation in other countries also affects on-going investigations and prosecutions, as well as the capacity of ACAs to investigate. The issue of impunity, reflected in recommendation 46 of the Oslo Statement on Corruption involving Vast Quantities of Assets, is important. Mechanisms such as regional prosecution or an international anti-corruption court should be further discussed. While these are sensitive issues and nobody would want to commit now, it is necessary to discuss these issues at the highest levels of government to develop the necessary political will.
The Permanent Representative of Norway highlighted the Global Expert Group Meetings on Corruption involving Vast Quantities of Assets with an impressive turnout of over 100 experts and with the adoption of 64 recommendations for follow-up. The Lima and Oslo Statements deserve our consideration and action. There are lots of suggestions. Some challenges need particular attention: (1) The existence of safe havens: Proceeds of crime should not continue to flow where they can be hidden from the public eye; (2) Beneficial owners should be known and held responsible, (3) Integrity of the institutions in charge of justice is critical, (4) The UNCAC country review process should allow for more media and CSO involvement; (5) The shrinking space for CSOs and the media that reveal corruption; (6) The transnational nature of corruption and the need to identify gaps and necessary support required. Norway is a committed and consistent partner to pursue ambitious international efforts to prevent and combat corruption through a comprehensive and holistic agenda.
For additional information, please contact:
Alonso Esquivel
Permanent Mission of Peru
aesquivel@embaperu.at
Fabio Pedraza Torres
Ministry of foreign affairs
fabioesteban.pedraza@cancilleria.gov.co
Juanita Navarro Angel
Permanent mission of Colombia in Vienna
juanita.navarro@cancilleria.gov.co
Agenda:
Presentations:
John Brandolino
Eric Anderson Machado
Kjersti Ertresvaag Andersen
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 6
The side event, organized by the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), highlighted the value of IACA’s multidisciplinary anti-corruption education for professionals in the public and private sectors and, in particular, the use of the 3 E’s (Educate-Engage-Empower) approach to preventing and fighting corruption. The event furthermore demonstrated that targeted education based on the 3 E’s approach can make a positive contribution to the objectives of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), inter alia, by “increasing and disseminating knowledge about the prevention of corruption” (article 6.1(b)) and “promoting education and training programmes” (article 7.1(d)).
IACA contributes to the implementation of UNCAC through its academic programmes, trainings, research, and awareness-raising activities related to anti-corruption conducted at the national, regional, and international levels. It brings together students, participants and lecturers from all regions of the world and provides opportunities for open and frank discussions of diverse international perspectives on corruption.
During the moderated discussion, IACA alumni and students highlighted the importance of the 3 E’s approach to building capacity to fight corruption. They shared their experiences in the practice of anti-corruption after graduating from IACA programmes or while being enrolled at the Academy. They outlined how they in turn have engaged in spreading the knowledge they gained at IACA in specific contextual and/or country settings. The debate also focused on tools and techniques IACA developed to implement multidisciplinary anti-corruption education.
Panelists included: Jaroslaw PIETRUSIEWICZ; Malika AIT-MOHAMED PARENT; Barbara NEIGER; Arjun AHLUWALIA; and Diana OVCHAROVA.
For additional information, please contact:
Simona Marin
simona.marin@iaca.int
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
17.00-18.00
Conference Room 1
Innovative and practical methodologies to raise public awareness in integrity
This event will bring states together to duiscuss how integrity could be strengthened by raising public awareness. It will provide a forum to discuss effective methods and techniques of raising public awareness to prevent corruption by implementing the second chapter of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
For additional information, please contact:
Meshari Mohammed Abunayyan
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha)
Mabunayyan@nazaha.gov.sa
17.00-18.00
Conference Room 6
Ensuring protection of ACAs and their officers
This event presented the newly created IAACA International Anti-Corruption Champion Fund supporting officers of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) who have been attacked for carrying out their duties. It also featured the launch of the Colombo Commentary on the Jakarta Principles to strengthen ACAs independence.
Dr. Navin Beekarry, Director-General, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Mauritius, moderated the event.
The following speakers took the floor:
- Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, Director General of National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption, Malaysia,
- Mr. Novel Baswedan, Investigator, Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK), Indonesia,
- Mr. Sarath Jayamanne, Director General, Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), Sri Lanka
- Mr. Dadang Trisasongko, Secretary General, Transparency International Indonesia,
- Mr. Samuel De Jaegere, Anti-Corruption Advisor, Corruption and Economic Crime Branch, UNODC
For additional information, please contact:
Shamina binti Ali
National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC), Prime Minister’s Department
shamina@jpm.gov.my
17.00-18.00
Conference Room 5
CANCELLED
Towards a comprehensive and cross-cutting anti-corruption strategy
CANCELLED
For additional information, please contact:
Isaac Morales Tenorio
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
imorales@sre.gob.mx
Agenda:
Presentations:
Tuesday, 17 December 2019
09:00-11:00
Conference Room 1
In a conversation, high-level officials from around the world examine the asset recovery landscape and the lessons learned and discuss policies that can help to overcome the obstacles in the process of tracing and returning proceeds of corruption, and to engage in more effective international cooperation.
After the panel conversation segments, two discussants will react and also highlight innovative ways for international cooperation (including for example in the context of the recent 1MDB case), followed by a Q&A session.
For additional information, please contact:
Shervin Majlessi
UNODC/World Bank Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR)
smajlessi@worldbank.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 5
Balancing formal and informal cooperation in corruption investigations. A workshop for practitioners
This event will explore the importance of using both formal and informal cooperation between countries in corruption investigations. Panel members from a number of countries will talk about their experiences and successes where formal and informal approaches have resulted in more efficient and stronger cases. It will also look at the different opportunities for this cooperation including UNODC regional platforms that develop and sustain co-operation on a regional and global scale.
For additional information, please contact:
Edmund Boggis
UK government, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
edmund.boggis@fco.gov.uk
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 6
Administrative sanctions and innovative measures against corruption
Starting from the premise that reliance on criminal prosecutions is not enough to effectively fight corruption, the session will discuss alternative avenues and innovative mechanisms that can be imposed with greater efficiency while still creating huge disincentives for corruption. The panelists will discuss these innovative non-criminal systems as developed by multilateral development banks, private sector, and state owned enterprises in response to corruption risks.
For additional information, please contact:
Alexandra Manea
World Bank
amanea@worldbank.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
Kjell Kristian Dørum
Adriana Dantas
11:30-13:00
Conference Room 1
StAR Day-Perspectives on Asset Return: mechanisms and monitoring
For additional information, please contact:
Elsa Gopala-Krishnan
UNODC/World Bank Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR)
elsa.gopala-krishnan@un.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 5
From theory to practice: What do anti-corruption authorities really look like?
The event presented the results of an international online survey conducted by the French Anti-Corruption Agency in cooperation with the Council of Europe’s GRECO, the OECD and the members of the Network of Corruption Prevention Authorities.
Experts from authorities and agencies from Europe, Latin America and Asia, among others the Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, the President of Council of Europe`s GRECO and Ms. Brigitte Strobel-Shaw, Chief of UNODC’s Corruption and Economic Crime Branch, discussed the main characteristics and challenges identified as a result of this global mapping of national authorities tasked with preventing and fighting corruption. Ms. Brigitte Strobel-Shaw pointed out the importance of the Implementation Review Mechanism related notably to the requirements in UNCAC on anti-corruption preventive bodies in article 6 and law enforcement bodies in article 36.
For additional information, please contact:
Tiphaine Chapeau
First Secretary
Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
tiphaine.chapeau@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
Charles Douchaine
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 6
Corruption and investor-state disputes – UNCAC perspective
The issue of corruption in Investor-State disputes has been becoming increasingly important as witnessed both in the existing case practice of the forums tasked with addressing Investor-State disputes and relevant scientific literature. It was also noted in the meetings of some of the Working Groups of Conference. Yet, no systematic attempt has been made until now to look at this issue from the perspective of the UN Convention against Corruption. Importantly, UNCAC has been increasingly referred to in bilateral investment treaties (BITs) as a standard to which parties to BITs shall adhere. The event will provide different perspectives at the issue and outline the relevance of the Convention to this area. Important stakeholder will share their views and will take questions from the audience with a view to examine whether and how the Convention could play a more prominent role in this field
For additional information, please contact:
Vladimir Kozin
UNODC
vladimir.kozin@un.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
Yarik Kryvoi
Paul-Jean Le Cannu / Video
Feri Wibisono
Amankali Sagatov
Jae Sung Lee
Aloysius P.Llamzon
13:30-14:00
Conference Room 1
Better data on corruption-related asset recoveries and returns worldwide is needed to promote timely return of proceeds of corruption, identify trends in asset recovery, provide an evidence base for policy-making, promote transparency and accountability, and measure global progress. StAR is conducting a new study that aims to collect data on global efforts to recover and return proceeds of corruption in a systematic and internationally comparable way, and will present an update on the study.
For additional information, please contact:
Shervin Majlessi
UNODC/World Bank Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR)
smajlessi@worldbank.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
14:00-15:00
Conference Room 1
"Going for Broke" sets out, for the first time, a step-by-step guide for asset recovery practitioners on the use of insolvency proceedings in recovering corruption proceeds. The report outlines the procedures associated with insolvency actions, explores challenges associated with this approach, and provides practical methods for various strategic and technical concerns. After the introduction of the book, panelists will discuss the subject from civil law and common law perspectives, providing case examples, followed by a Q&A session.
For additional information, please contact:
Shervin Majlessi
UNODC/World Bank Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR)
smajlessi@worldbank.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 5
UNCAC’s contribution to sustainable development
UNCAC is an important global instrument not only for the achievement of SDG16 and its anti-corruption targets, but countries’ compliance with UNCAC also creates a conducive environment to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Establishment of effective, accountable institutions, significantly reducing illicit financial and arms flows as well as substantially reducing corruption and bribery are important preconditions for the achievement of the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNCAC provides detailed guidance to countries on how to achieve this. This special event discussed UNCAC compliance and implementation by Member States as a fundamental prerequisite for countries to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
For additional information, please contact:
Aida Arutyunova
UNDP
aida.arutyunova@undp.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 6
The special event, organized by UNODC and Italy, was entitled "Private sector as a partner in anti-corruption education: Promoting innovative approaches to business integrity". It brought together UN, governments, academia and business to discuss UNODC's new Siemens-funded Global Integrity Education Project & the Education for Justice (E4J) initiative. The panelists discussed the importance of anti-corruption training and education for business integrity, and how multi-stakeholder partnerships between business, academia, educators and the UN can promote the fight against corruption. They addressed these questions by sharing insights from UNODC's various academic and private sector initiatives, including E4J, the Anti-Corruption Academic ( ACAD) initiative, and the new Siemens-funded Global Integrity Education Project, and by illustrating best practices of integrity and transparency in the private sector. During the event, the outcome of the 2nd Anti-Corruption Academic Symposium organised by UNODC and MGIMO was discussed and a short video of the Symposium was presented.
Article 12 and Article 13 of UNCAC emphasize the crucial role of the private sector and education systems in the anti-corruption efforts of States parties. Companies that promote anti-corruption standards, including effective compliance systems and integrity measures, contribute to a level playing field for a fair and transparent economic environment. Universities shape the knowledge and mindsets of our future leaders. However, anti-corruption education and business integrity measures are lacking worldwide. UNODC started to fill these gaps by developing, with the support of over 100 professors from around the world, modules on anti-corruption, integrity and ethics that are adaptable for use in schools, universities and companies around the world. UNODC is now preparing to maximize the impact of the modules by involving the private sector in this process. In particular, under the new Siemens-funded Global Integrity Education Project, UNODC brings together academics and private sector actors in various locations to adapt the modules to local contexts and to enrich them with case studies of actual integrity challenges in specific industries and countries. The new localized modules are expected to have a greater impact compared to the generic modules.
Panelists included: Nadeem Anwer, Regional Compliance Officer Middle East, Siemens; Luca Franceschini, Head of Global Compliance, ENI; Nicoletta Pia di Cagno, Head of Ethics & Antibribery, SNAM; Florian Lair, Alliance for Integrity; and Sigall Horovitz, Corruption and Economic Crime Branch, UNODC
For additional information, please contact:
Sigall HorovitzAgenda:
Presentations:
15:30-17:15
Conference Room 1
StAR Day-Getting Serious About Beneficial Ownership Transparency and closing
The session will highlight the use of shell companies as the cross-border getaway vehicle for corruption; present the perspectives of stakeholders including law enforcement and policy makers on beneficial ownership transparency; and showcase the growing momentum towards public registers, how to set them up and how to address their shortcomings as well as other other methods to ensure transparency of beneficial ownership. It will look at cases and new norms on beneficial ownership transparency in leading countries.
For additional information, please contact:
Shervin Majlessi
UNODC/World Bank Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR)
smajlessi@worldbank.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
18.00-19.00
Conference Room 5
This event provided an opportunity to raise awareness of SACRP with SIDS and to provide details of the benefits of this platform to SIDS practitioners. Anti-Corruption Commissions and other integrity bodies were active in their participation and provided guidance on how SACPR can be further enhanced going forwards to include capacity development.
For additional information, please contact:
Nandita Devi Suneechur-Nunkoo
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Mauritius
nsuneechur@icac.mu
Agenda:
Presentations:
18.00-19.00
Conference Room 6
The Lion’s share – addressing corruption linked to wildlife, fisheries and forestry crimes
The event will take stock of the current efforts to address corruption linked to wildlife, fisheries and forestry crimes. It will introduce UNODC’s knowledge products focused on the corruption risk assessment approach, and encourage further State parties to define the way forward for anti-corruption initiatives in the wildlife, fisheries and forest sectors, based on successful practices and lessons learned.
For additional information, please contact:
Maria Adomeit
UNODC
maria.adomeit@un.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
Wednesday, 18 December 2019
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 5
Reducing corruption as an obstacle to world trade: Learnings from the maritime sector
The special event, organized by UNODC and co-sponsored by BSR Maritime Anti-Corruption Initiative, World Economic Forum Partnering Against Corruption Initiative, and UNDP, was entitled "Reducing corruption as an obstacle to world trade: Learnings from the maritime sector". The event discussed a model for collective action which has been successfully applied in the maritime sector.
The maritime value chain plays a crucial role in the global economy, as around 90 % of world trade is transported by sea and via ports (ICS: 2016; UNCTAD: 2015). Corruption in the maritime value chain constitutes a non-tariff trade barrier that is driving up trade costs and impeding economic and social development, particularly in developing countries where trade costs are the highest. Eliminating corruption in ports, especially in developing countries, is therefore instrumental for promoting development, trade and a more inclusive global economy. The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) was established in 2011 as an industry-led initiative, working collaboratively towards the vision of a maritime industry free of corruption that enables fair trade to the benefit of society at large. Since its inception, MACN has become one of the preeminent examples of an industry led collective action network taking tangible actions to eliminate corruption in trade in partnership with government authorities and civil society.
The event showcased a model for collective action which has changed the narrative of doing business in a challenging environment. The approach increased trust among key actors, using a multistakeholder approach which provided the ground for a measurable reduction of corruption incidences, facilitated trade flows with direct benefits for citizens and enhanced foreign direct investment.
The panellists identified the key success factors and learnings using the example of the Port Sector Corruption Risk Assessment project in Nigeria - involving Nigerian anti-corruption agencies, the international network- the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) and the UNDP – as well as elaborating on similar collaborative initiatives to reduce trade obstacles around the globe including Argentina and India. They also discussed how this approach can be replicated in other sectors and countries and what the key criteria were for a successful outcome.
Panelists included: Nicholas Francis Fisher, Deputy CEO, ADNOC Logistic & Services; Lilian Ekeanyanwu, Head at Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms, TUGAR; Cecilia Muller Torbrand, Executive Director, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN); Anga R Timilsina, Global Programme Advisor on Anti-corruption, UNDP Global Center for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development, Singapore; and Katja Bechtel, Lead, Partnering Against Corruption Initiative (PACI), World Economic Forum.
For additional information, please contact:
Katja Bechtel
World Economic Forum
katja.bechtel@weforum.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 1
Towards a new generation of national anti-corruption strategies
This event aims at showcasing good practices and lessons learned in the implementation of UNCAC Article 5.
It will be an opportunity to discuss the importance of national anti-corruption strategies, their evolution over time, and the accumulation of comparative experiences in this regard, thereby enabling participants to get an overview of good practices and lessons learned in this area in light of the UNCAC, including innovative approaches that could be used to develop these strategies in the future to be more effective and impactful. It will also be an opportunity to highlight the recent work done by Kuwait and Tunisia in this regard and overall trend in the last decade.
For additional information, please contact:
Dhari Buyabes
Kuwait Anticorruption Authority
d.buyabes@nazaha.gov.kw
Reem Kaedbey
UNDP
reem.kaedbey@undp.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
Saleh Altunaib (also available in Arabic)
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 6
Eighth forum of parliamentarians: Parliament’s role in enhancing holistic governance
Panelists included the Speaker of the Kenyan Parliament. Key issues discussed stepping up the engagement process for Parliamentarians in helping to achieve effective national anti-corruption frameworks, particularly by opening up Parliament Committee hearings to civil society and marginalized communities. Panelists drew from experiences of the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project, GOPAC Oceania and GOPAC’s African regional chapter.
For additional information, please contact:
John Hyde
Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC)
gopacau@gmail.com
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 6
Combating Transnational Bribery: Perspectives from the Enforcement Community
The United States held a side event on the issue of foreign bribery, one of the most pervasive and potentially destabilizing international corruption threats, on Wednesday 18 December from 13:00-14:00 during the Eighth Session of the Conference of the States Parties in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Foreign bribery undermines the economic and political stability of States parties, distorts international commercial markets, and can directly impact the well-being of citizens. States parties have an obligation to criminalize foreign bribery under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC); however, a significant number of UNCAC States parties still have not done so. As more countries adopt domestic laws criminalizing this offense, law enforcement and prosecutors are starting to better understand the practical challenges and solutions involved in preventing and combating foreign bribery.
This side event, attended by approximately 60 representatives, allowed States parties to share lessons learned from actual cases, as well as best practices that can be applied by all States parties to meet their UNCAC obligations. It drew on recent high-profile success stories, such as the Odebrecht scandal, and addressed practical approaches to prosecuting cases, including coordination between civil and criminal authorities, parallel vs. joint investigations, achieving fair and equitable resolutions, and formal vs. informal information sharing.
Opening remarks were provided by James A. Walsh, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Four panelists led the discussion:
The event was moderated by Andrew Gentin, Assistant Chief, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Unit, Department of Justice, United States.
For additional information, please contact:
Kellen McClure
U.S. State Department
mcclurek1@state.gov
Agenda:
Presentations:
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 5
Human rights, gender and corruption - linkages, good practices, potential and limitations
The overall goal of the event was to raise awareness of the negative impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights and the consequent need to undertake effective anti-corruption measures to protect them. Participants will shared good practices and their views on the potential and limitations of mainstreaming the anti-corruption and human rights agendas. Contributions were made from the normative perspective, as well as country-based experiences from Morocco, Switzerland and Ghana, as well as civil society organizations and human rights mechanisms.
For additional information, please contact:
Làzarie Eeckeloo
Centre for Civil and Political Rights
leeckeloo@ccprcentre.org
AYAMDOO Charles
Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)-Ghana
Richard Lapper
OHCHR
rlapper@ohchr.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
Morocco
Lazarie Eeckeloo
Charles Ayamdoo
Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky
Jennifer Sarvary Bradford
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 1
The event will introduce the representatives of the selected countries and other invitees to the goals of the "Belt and Road" project to ensure its successful implementation and support by key stakeholders.
For additional information, please contact:
Vladimir Kozin
UNODC
vladimir.kozin@un.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 1
Collective action on anti-corruption: Enhancing the role for non-state actors
The special event, held in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), presented ideas and best practices in collective action initiatives for the implementation of UNCAC in Southeast Europe (SEE) and also reiterated a strong commitment to the Belgrade Outcome Statement. The panel was moderated by a representative from the North Macedonian State Commission for Prevention of Corruption who stressed the valuable contributions that civil society organisations (CSOs) and private sector entities made to the second cycle review of UNCAC implementation in the country. Among the entities involved in the review was the Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation, a panellist of which, talked about the increasing space for civil society and presented examples from their collaboration with government.
UNODC, through three multi-stakeholder workshops in Southeast Europe, trained over 70 CSOs, 40 Private sector entities and governments on the Convention and on the ways to make good governance more effective. On this, ICC Albania observed how useful these workshops have been in identifying local and regional partners and how they contributed to the birth of fruitful initiatives.
For additional information, please contact:
Viktorija Nesterovaite
UNODC
viktorija.nesterovaite@un.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 5
The purpose of the side event was to present the work and achievements of the Global Judicial Integrity Network since its launch in April 2018 and how its activities and services assist Member States in implementing the requirements of article 11 of UNCAC, including rules with respect to the conduct of members of the judiciary. The side event featured panel presentations from Hon. Vesna Medenica, President of the Supreme Court of Montenegro, Hon. Marin Mrcela, President of the Group of States against Corruption, Ms. Tatiana Balisova, UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, and a video message by Mr. Matthew Pollard, Senior Legal Adviser of the International Commission of Jurists. More information about the Global Judicial Integrity Network can be found at www.unodc.org/ji.
For additional information, please contact:
Tatiana Balisova
UNODC
tatiana.balisova@un.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 6
This event presented the successful innovative actions in using technology for social accountability, transparency and service delivery. Panelists also highlighted the role of frontier technologies as a powerful tool to fight corruption, while identifying potential risks, challenges and opportunities.
For additional information, please contact:
Aida Arutyunova
UNDP
aida.arutyunova@undp.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
Irakli Kotetishvili
Diana Torres
17.00-18.00
Conference Room 1
Best practices in following-up to country reviews
This event will provide a forum to discuss measures that States parties may adopt to address the outcomes and the recommendations and observations emerging from their country’s reviews. It will address the global and shared issues faced by UNCAC States parties relating to following up the implementing of country review reports recommendations. Issues such as the amending of national laws and regulations to be consistent with UNCAC articles and addressing UNODC's comments and feedback
For additional information, please contact:
Mishari Fawzi AleisaPresentations:
Mohamed Abdelhak Cherbal
17.00-18.00
Conference Room 5
Co-governance strategies in the fight against corruption
The Brazilian National Strategy to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (ENCCLA) was instituted in 2003 by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. It relies on the participation of more than 70 public administration agencies, the Judiciary, the Prosecution Service and civil society organizations. Its members meet every year in plenary sessions to decide and agree on the activities to be carried out annually. The planning of these activities is conducted through working groups divided according to joint actions previously defined, ranging from norm proposals to implementation of actions at regional and municipal level.
ENCCLA, the Brazilian inter-ministerial agency has deliberated legislative change, provided government-wide legitimacy for specific initiatives and became a centre of thought leadership in those areas. It established guidelines, adjusted administrative and criminal prosecution practices and promoted key legislations within the country.
For additional information, please contact:
Georgia Renata Sanchez DiogoAgenda:
Presentations:
17.00-18.30
Conference Room 6
It is widely known that organized criminal groups function truly internationally and rely on cross-border networks of corruption and money laundering to facilitate various forms of organized crime. This global nature of the crimes requires new approaches in international cooperation in combating them. This special event will look into how well governments, law enforcement practitioners, international non-governmental organizations and investigative journalism have risen to this challenge. Governmental and non-governmental stakeholders will present parallel but different approaches of international cooperation in detecting and investigating organized crime and corruption, and highlight best practices and lessons learned from different continents.
For additional information, please contact:
Olga Ametistova
Global Program Combating Illicit Financial Flows, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ),
olga.ametistova@giz.de
Adam Foldes
Transparency International (TI)
afoldes@transparency.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
Thursday, 19 December 2019
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 1
The special event discussed the importance of strong and independent gatekeepers in the justice system, including legal advisers, attorney generals, ombudsmen and anti- corruption commissioners, for ensuring human security, preventing corruption and achieving SDG 16. Panelists included heads of anti-corruption agencies and other gatekeepers who shared their views and experiences, including: Ms. Dina Zilber, Deputy Attorney-General, Ministry of Justice, Head of Delegation, Israel; Mr. Andreas Wieselthaler, Director of the Austrian Federal Bureau of Anti-Corruption; Mr. Navin Beekarry, Director-General, The Independent Commission Against Corruption of Mauritius; Mr. Alan Bacarese, Director for Integrity and Anti-Corruption, African Development Bank Group; Mr. Oliver Stolpe, UNODC Representative in Nigeria; Mr. Robert Leventhal, Division Chief, Office of Global Policy and Programs, INL, U.S. Department of State; Ms. Yael Bitton, Senior Deputy, State Attorney Department of International Affairs, State Attorney's Office, Ministry of Justice, Israel (moderator).
For additional information, please contact:
Sigall Horovitz
UNODC
sigall.horovitz@un.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 6
International cooperation in detecting corruption offences with non-criminal tools
The event focuses on the need to strengthen international cooperation in detecting corruption offences with non-criminal tools via enhancing the effectiveness of verification procedures on assets, property, status and activities of public officials abroad and securing access to relevant databases.
For additional information, please contact:
Aslan Yusufov
The Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation
a.yusufov@genproc.gov.ru, 2960893@mail.ru
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 5
The event presented the alliance of peer-to-peer learning community formed between anti-corruption bodies in Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia and Kenya and showcased how enhanced cooperation has concretely empowered the peers and strengthened their institutions in line with recommendations from the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies and article 6 of UNCAC. Panelists stressed how trust was built between members with similar mandates and challenges and how strongly motivated individuals have been able to support each other in finding effective solutions.
For additional information, please contact:
Verena.Zoppei
Anti-corruption and Integrity Programme, GIZ verena.zoppei@giz.de
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 5
Finland and Belgium co-hosted a special event on Whistleblower Protection during the 8th session of the Conference of States Parties in Abu Dhabi. The event generated a great deal of interest drawing approximately 85 attendees (indluding 40 women) who listened to and discussed with representatives from the European Union (EU), UNODC, Japan, and Transparency International.
The event was opened with remarks from the hosts, Ms Brännkärr, State Secretary, Ministry of Justice of Finland and Ms Du Castillon, Delegate Public Prosecutor, FPS Foreing Affairs from Belgium. Amongst others, they drew the attention of the audience to the fact that many cases of corruption and other wrongdoing – big or small – had been detected due to reports from whistleblowers and the importance of protecting them.
Ms. Zwaenepoel, Senior Expert of the Directorate-General on European Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission presented the EU's recently adopted directive on whistleblower protection which sets minimum standards and conditions for the protection of persons who report breaches of union law. She explained that EU member states had two years to implement their own domestic legislation in conformity with the directive which was applicable to both private and public sector whistleblowers.
Ms. von Söhnen, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer at UNODC, outlined the catalytic impact of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) on the implementation of whistleblower protection measures around the world and findings from the Implementation Review Mechanism. Furthermore, she talked about key concepts and measures of whislteblower protection, the state of the current global debate and showcased examples of different legal and institutional set-ups to protect whistleblowers.
Mr. Sonoda, from the International Safety and Security Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, spoke about Japans role as Chair of the Anti-Corruption Working Group of the G20 in 2019, which had examined best practices and gaps in whistleblower protection measures. Under its chairmanship the Working Group had developed high-level principles on whistleblower protection which had been adopted at the G20 Osaka Summit. The HLPs comprise recommendations under five pillars including: legal framework, scope, procedures, retaliation and enforcement.
Ms. Sedlar, Chair of Transparency International Slovenia, provided the perspective of civil society. She explained how civil society supported whistleblowers, but also which challenges they faced. In particular she explained that even adequate legislation may not always result in effective implementation on the ground and that more was needed to create a speak up culture and build the capacities of recipients of whistleblower reports.
For further information, please see the Agenda and the Presentations below.
For additional information, please contact:
Aarne Kinnunen
Ministry of Justice of Finland
aarne.kinnunen@om.fi
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
Sabine Zwaenepoel
Constanze von Söhnen
Alma Sedlar
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 1
Pacific unity against corruption
Panellists showcased experiences on how Pacific Governments have engaged with non-State actors to more effectively implement anti-corruption measures. The President of Kiribati presented on mobilizing regional action through the February 2020 “Pacific Unity Against Corruption” Leaders’ Conference in Kiribati.
For additional information, please contact:
Annika Wythes
UN-PRAC
annika.wythes@un.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 6
Prevention and fight against corruption in Algeria
This event will present the legal framework, the institutions in charge of the prevention and fight against corruption in Algeria. with will also feature a short video about the activities of the National Office of Prevention and Fight against Corruption.
For additional information, please contact:
Mokhtar Naoun
Permanent Mission of Algeria
Agenda:
Presentations:
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 1
Exploring the gender dimensions of corruption
For additional information, please contact:
Reem Kaedbey
UNDP
reem.kaedbey@undp.org
Marwa Fatafta
Transparency International
mfatafta@transparency.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 6
CANCELLED
Foreign bribery – joining forces to strengthen enforcement
CANCELLED
For additional information, please contact:
Agenda:
Presentations:
17.00-18.00
Conference Room 1
Utilization of recovered asset for the realisation of SDG 16.4
For additional information, please contact:
David Ugolor
Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
info@aneej.org, david@aneej.org
Agenda:
Presentations:
17.00-18.00
Conference Room 6
Regional civil society champions: Showcasing anti-corruption leadership in four regions
This side event will showcase the work and testimony of civil society anti-corruption champions through their participation in UNODC's regional platforms in Latin America, Southern Africa, Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia to fast-track the implementation of the UNCAC. It will also provide an opportunity to analyse the benefits of employing e-platforms to forging partnerships in the fight against corruption and provide leading examples for other CSOs.
For additional information, please contact:
Anders Frantzen
UNODC
frantzen@un.org
Friday, 20 December 2019
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 1
Living up to the spirit of articles 43 and 46 UNCAC
Countries that suffered from large-scale corruption have rarely succeeded in enforcing domestic confiscation orders in foreign jurisdictions where proceeds of such crimes have been moved. There is a wide range of legal, political and practical hurdles put in the way of successful international cooperation in confiscation proceedings. For instance, many countries apply overly narrow interpretations of dual criminality or refuse to provide assistance in non-conviction based confiscation (NCB confiscation) proceedings. This happens despite the fact that “the favourability principle”, as enshrined in Article 46 of the UNCAC, requires State Parties to afford one another the widest measure of mutual legal assistance (MLA) in investigations, prosecutions and judicial proceedings. In an effort to promote this principle and highlight particular challenges and lessons learned from recent successful cases of cooperation in NCB proceedings, the Basel Institute’s International Centre for Asset Recovery organized a panel discussion at this special event.
In his introductory remarks, Oscar Solórzano, Senior Asset Recovery Specialist and Head of Latin America at the Basel Institute, explained that the objectives of the panel were to 1) advocate for an interpretation of favourability that promoted NCB proceedings as a valid basis to recover ill-gotten assets, 2) encourage the introduction of an obligation of requested States to “sufficiently explain” refusals to execute MLA requests on the grounds that NCB confiscation was irreconcilable with their domestic legal framework, and 3) pledge for a policy dialogue aiming at revising such a rule or practice so as to meet the UNCAC standard. He also set out the key concepts relevant to NCB confiscation requests in Europe. Hamilton Castro, Specialised Prosecutor in Peru, presented a corruption case in Peru where proceeds of the offence were transferred to bank accounts in Switzerland. He mentioned that certain aspects of the case made an NCB confiscation the only viable option to recover illicit assets. Barbara Kammermann, Legal Officer, Division for Mutual Legal Assistance at the Swiss Federal Office of Justice, described various challenges faced in that case and the legal avenues Switzerland used to enforce the Peruvian NCB request. Finally, two distinguished practitioners, Markus Busch, Head of Division at the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection in Germany and Muthoni Kimani, Director of the Asset Recovery Office in Kenya, presented their thoughts on "favourable" approaches to NCB confiscations in response to the above presentation.
For additional information, please contact:
Gretta Fenner
Basel Institute on Governance / International Centre for Asset Recovery
gretta.fenner@baselgovernance.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
Oscar Solórzano (opening remarks)
Oscar Solórzano (presentation)
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 5
Asset recovery and international cooperation in anti-corruption
The event aims to create a platform for practitioners, law enforcement officers and academic scholars to share their good practice on asset recovery, to target the challenges in international cooperation on asset recovery and to enhance the communication and understanding between different jurisdictions. Furthermore, the event also aims at promoting the consensus between states on applying the UNCAC as legal basis for asset recovery.
For additional information, please contact:
Prof. Wang Xiumei
College for Criminal Law Science of Beijing Normal University
wangxiumei@bnu.edu.cn
Agenda:
Presentations:
09.00-10.00
Conference Room 6
Making transparency work: Technology-driven approaches to facilitate public access to information
Annual global spending on public procurement is estimated to exceed USD 9.5 trillion, accounting for almost 20 percent of global GDP. An increasing number of countries are taking measures to improve transparency in procurement and are providing online access to information on who owns and controls legal entities.
This panel will present innovative, technology-driven reforms that enable easy access to information, including through procurement platforms and open data portals, highlighting how transparency can help to detect and deter corruption, linked to UNCAC Articles 7, 9, 10, 12 and 13 on promoting transparency.
Speakers will discuss Slovakia’s approach of requiring online publication of full government contracts and the collection of beneficial ownership information, the use of the Open Contracting Data Standard piloted in Nigeria by the non-governmental organisation PRDC, as well as OpenCorporates’ efforts to build an open global company registry.
For additional information, please contact:
Mathias HUTER
UNCAC Coalition
mathias.huter@uncaccoalition.org
Agenda:
English
Presentations:
13.00-14.00
Conference Room 5
CANCELLED
Corrupt practices in peasant agricultural commodities value chain
Cocoa Beans, Palm, Rubber and other agricultural commodities in Cameroon continue to suffer challenges of corruption and thereby keeping the poor poorer, increasing the middle-men effect geometrically, the impacts of climate change and forests degradation, violence and human rights abuses among the peasants agriculture sector, lack of social security and other developmental opportunities. The event will express these concerns elaborated in a case study and open up question and answers and share best practices that could provide a corruption free and better living among peasant communities worldwide.
For additional information, please contact:
Tcharbuahbokengo NFINN
feedarsecretariat@yahoo.com
feedar97@yahoo.com
Agenda:
Presentations:
14.00-15.00
Conference Room 1
TI: New tools for social accountability: Access to information in the MENA region
Access to information is crucial for citizens and civil society to exercise social accountability and take part in the fight against corruption. As many Arab governments have recently passed ATI laws, CSOs from the region will discuss the nexus between access to information and social accountability, as well as challenges and opportunities in the implementation of such laws.
For additional information, please contact:
Marwa Fatafta
Transparency International
mfatafta@transparency.org
