UNODC Activities with Civil Society in the fight against corruption

The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) recognizes the role of civil society in combating corruption under Article 13, by calling on governments to increase transparency, improve public access to information and to promote public contributions to the government decision-making process.

UNODC bolsters the capacity and engagement of civil society, especially from developing countries, by delivering training to CSOs on UNCAC and its review mechanism. UNODC also supports CSO engagement in intergovernmental meetings and provides the necessary tools for them to work constructively with their governments and the private sector on UNCAC implementation. An overview of our anti-corruption activities and examples of success stories can be accessed through this link.

An example of CSO participation in the Conference of the State Parties to the UNCAC can be found at the following link: CSO participation in COSP 7 .

CSOs around the World mark International Anti-Corruption Day 2019

23 January 2020 - The annual campaign on 9 December 2019 aims to bring together people from all walks of life in the fight against corruption, serving as a global call for action and raising awareness about the UN Convention against Corruption. ( Read more)

Civil Society in Southeast Asia builds capacity across Anti-Corruption Themes

10 January 2020 - A civil society roundtable fast-tracking UNCAC implementation in Southeast Asia took place in Manila, Philippines with the participation of 22 civil society organizations' representatives from seven Southeast Asian countries. ( Read more)

Mark the International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December

To mark the occasion, we are calling on civil society organisations, the private sector, governments, the media and citizens around the world to stand #UnitedAgainstCorruption.( Read more)

Launch of the 6th grants scheme to tackle corruption

Following five fruitful rounds of private sector small grants and training sessions for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the UN Convention against Corruption and its review mechanism, UNODC is pleased to invite CSOs from Africa to apply for the sixth round of small grants which aims to encourage the engagement of civil society with the private sector on anti-corruption matters.( Read more)

UNCAC/COSP8 in Abu Dhabi- NGO Call for Participation

19 August 2019 - UNODC invites representatives of NGOs to express their interest in participating at the eighth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC/COSP8) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 16 to 20 December 2019 ( Read more)

Call for Proposals for CSOs in Southern Africa

24 July 2019 - UNODC launches a call for application for civil society organizations (CSOs) to participate in the Regional Conference Fast-tracking the Implementation of UNCAC in Southern Africa. The deadline to apply is 16 August 2019. The conference will take place from 14-18 October 2019 in Livingstone, Zambia. ( Read more)

Call for Proposals: East Africa grants scheme on public procurement and whistleblower protection

3 June 2019 - A grants scheme is open for civil society organizations from East Africa to work on the anti-corruption schemes of public procurement and whistleblower protection. CSOs are encouraged to apply with projects in either of the thematic areas with projects to implement in their countries. ( Read more)

Civil Society links with Governments to Fast-track UNCAC Implementation in Latin America

7 May 2019 - A civil society roundtable took place on the margins of the fast-tracking UNCAC implementation conference in South America and Mexico with the participation of 25 civil society organizations' representatives from 10 Latin American countries. Civil society agreed on recommendations for the future. ( Read more)

East Africa civil society roundtable gathers to report on public procurement and whistleblowing
	12 April 2019 - Civil society organizations from across East Africa gathered in Addis Ababa to report on progress public procurement and whistleblower protection with the intention to fast-track the United Nations Convention against Corruption implementation in the region for forthcoming years. ( Read more )

Civil society and governments from Africa reiterate commitment to fighting corruption at UNODC workshop in Addis Ababa

8- 11 April 2019- the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, together with the UNCAC Coalition and with support of the Austrian Development Agency, trained 27 civil society and 26 government representatives from 15 African countries on implementing the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) ( Read more)

Call for applications for NGOs in Latin America

This is a call for applications for NGOs in Latin America to participate in a Regional Meeting on Fast-tracking UNCAC Implementation. The call for applications for NGOs is now open and the deadline to apply is 1 April 2019. The conference will take place on 7 - 10 May 2019 in Cartagena, Colombia. ( Read more)

Civil society and private sector agree on principles for partnership on addressing corruption in SEE

1 February 2019 - UNODC Civil Society Team organized a follow-up meeting for civil society organization and private sector from Southeast Europe to draft an outcome document that spells out concrete and practical steps towards a strengthened cooperation in the areas of training and knowledge, implementation of UNCAC and its Review Mechanism and collective action ( Read more)

Call for applications for NGOs in Africa

This is a call for application for NGOs in Africa to participate in a Multi-stakeholder workshop on the United Nations Convention against Corruption and its Review Mechanism. The call for applications for NGOs in Africa is now open and the deadline to apply is 6 February 2019. The Workshop will take place on 8 - 12 April 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ( Read more)

Civil society roundtable sets priorities in ASEAN region

11-12 December 2018 - Civil society organisations from across Southeast Asia gathered in Bangkok to set future priorities and avenues for collaboration to fast-track the United Nations Convention against Corruption implementation in the region for forthcoming years. ( Read more)

UNODC launch guide for civil society at 18th International Anti-Corruption Conference

22-24 October 2018 - UNODC launched a conference edition of a guide on best practices of civil society working in the UNCAC at the 18th International Anti-Corruption Conference in Copenhagen. The event heard from civil society and government who feature in the guide with stories showcasing successful engagement with the UNCAC. ( Read more)

Launch of the 5th grants scheme to tackle corruption

Following four fruitful rounds of private sector small grants and 15 successful training sessions for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the UN Convention against Corruption and its review mechanism, UNODC is pleased to invite CSOs from Africa to apply for a fifth round of small grants which aims to encourage the engagement of civil society with the private sector on anti-corruption matters.( Read more)

UNODC empowers Southeast European Civil Society Organizations to fight corruption

24-27 September 2018 - UNODC in partnership with the UNCAC Coalition organized a regional multi-stakeholder workshop in Serbia. The workshop sought to train civil society, private sector and government representatives from Southeast Europe on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).( Read more)

Launch of the ASEAN Civil Society E-platform on Anti-corruption

18 May 2018 - This day marks the launch of the ASEAN civil society e-platform during an event on 'Fast tracking the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) through civil society e-platform'. The event was organized by the UNODC Civil Society Team (CST) in partnership with the Government of the United Kingdom (U.K.). ( Read more)

UNODC empowers African civil society to fight corruption

8-11 May 2018- UNODC in partnership with the UNCAC Coalition, and with the support of the Austrian Development Agency, trained some 30 civil society and 14 government representatives from 15 African countries on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption and its Review Mechanism ( Read more )

_{Steps towards a Regional Approach to Prevent Corruption in Procurement and Whistleblower Protection in East Africa}

20 April 2018 - Further steps were taken towards fast-tracking the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in East Africa. A follow-up workshop brought together some 35 governmental representatives and civil society organizations (CSOs) specialising on public procurement and whistle-blower protection ( Read more )

First multi-stakeholder workshop on UNCAC and its Review Mechanism in Southeast Europe commences

25 September 2017 - The first Multi-stakeholder Workshop on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and its Review Mechanism is currently taking place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the twelfth such workshop to be organised worldwide and the first to be held in Southeast Europe (SEE). ( Read more )

UNODC welcomes the new Chair of UNCAC Coalition

On 24 August 2017, UNODC welcomed Dr. Juanita Olaya on her first visit to the organization as the new chair of the UNCAC Coalition. The meeting between Jean-Luc Lemahieu (DPA Director), Mirella Dummar-Frahi (CST Team Leader) and Dr. Olaya was an opportunity to follow up on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2017 between the two organizations and discuss upcoming anti-corruption events. ( Read more )

MoU with UNCAC Coalition demonstrates UNODC's commitment to strengthen partnerships in efforts to fight corruption in all its forms

22 June 2017 - In many countries around the world, corruption hinders efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to human rights violations, distorts markets, erodes quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish. Under Article 13 of the UNCAC, the convention also both recognizes and provides a crucial role for civil society in combating corruption. ( Read more)

The next multi-stakeholder workshop on the UNCAC and its Review Mechanism is coming up. Be there! (Deadline extended)

The call for applications is now open and the deadline to apply is 5 July 2017 (extended). The Workshop will take place from 25-29 September 2017 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The overall objective is to equip participants with the substantive expertise in UNCAC provisions, inform them about the methodology for country reviews, build capacity to work with the private sector, to reproduce the training at national, regional and local level, and to initiate dialogue with government focal point.

To check your eligibility and apply, follow the Application Guide here!

Anti-corruption platform for Civil Society Organizations launched in South Eastern Europe

12 April 2017 - In order to promote collaboration among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and facilitate the identification of partners, UNODC and the UNCAC Coalition together with the Southeast Europe Leadership for Development and Integrity initiative, have launched an online platform featuring information and resources on CSOs working on the field of anti-corruption in the region. This platform was developed thanks to the Regional Anti-corruption Initiative's and the Austrian Development Agency's support (READ MORE)

Governments and civil society working together to tackle corruption in East Africa

24 February 2017 - In order to accelerate the implementation of United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and support the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, in particularly Goal 16, a regional workshop was conducted in Nairobi from 13 to 17 February 2017, bringing together representatives from government and civil society organisations in the East Africa region. ( READ MORE)

CSOs call for action in implementing UNCAC in the ASEAN
	14 February 2017 - The regional conference on Fast-tracking Implementation of United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) for Economic and Social Development in Southeast Asia that took place in Bangkok from 31 ^st January to 3 ^rd February came at a pivotal time, as ASEAN (the association of Southeast Asian nations) turns 50 this year. (READ MORE)

UNODC and civil society partners promote implementation of UNCAC at Panama Conference

5 December 2016 - On the occasion of the 17th International Anti-Corruption Conference in Panama, UNODC and the UNCAC Coalition organized a workshop during the global forum on 4 December to raise awareness, share experiences and stimulate debate around two major and complementary instruments which address corruption and advance equality globally: the UNCAC and the SDGs, in particular Goal 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, strong institutions and access to justice for all. (READ MORE)

The first multi-stakeholder workshop on the UNCAC second cycle review created synergies between Africa and Southeast Europe

4 October 2016 - Cooperation between Governments and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in implementing the UNCAC and its second review cycle to prevent and fight against corruption was the focus of a recent multi-stakeholder workshop held at the UN Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Jointly organized by UNODC and the UNCAC Coalition, the workshop brought together 63 participants from 18 African and Southeast European countries. (READ MORE)

The next multi-stakeholder workshop on the UNCAC and its Review Mechanism is coming up. Be there!

The call for application is now open and the deadline to apply is 1 July 2016. The Workshop will take place from 19 to 22 September at the International Anti-Corruption Academy, in Austria. The overall objective is to equip participants with the substantive expertise in UNCAC provisions, inform them about the methodology for country reviews, build capacity to work with the private sector, to reproduce the training at local, national and regional level, and to initiate dialogue with government focal point.

Do you want to know more about this workshop? Read our F.A.Q. page for more information

To check your eligibility and apply, follow the Application Guide!

Civil Society's engagement in the UNCAC Review reflected in COSP6

November 2015 - 110 NGO representatives participated in the 6th Conference of the States Parties (COSP6) which took place from 2 to 6 November in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and contributed meaningfully to advancing the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). (READ MORE)

Preparations for UNCAC COSP6 are underway

The sixth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC COSP6) will be held at the Lenexpo Exhibition Complex in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, from 2 to 6 November 2015. (READ MORE)

African governments and civil society come together to work against corruption

Cooperation between African Governments and CSOs in tackling corruption was the focus of a recent workshop held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Jointly organized by UNODC and the UNCAC Coalition, the meeting brought together some 60 participants from 23 African countries.
(READ MORE)

Launch of a new grant scheme to tackle corruption

UNODC's small grants scheme has assisted Civil Society Organizations in their engagement with the private sector regarding their anti-corruption activities. The call for applications is now open for the fourth round of funding for African based CSOs. The Deadline for submission is 27 March 2015 (READ MORE)

Mainstreaming anti-corruption activities in civil society strategies
	The diversity of the NGOs' areas of expertise allowed for a high level of interaction on the challenges posed by corruption in their respective sectors, such as environmental crime, human trafficking and child protection. (READ MORE)

Addressing the Links between Corruption and Transnational Organised Crime
	To illustrate the links between Corruption and Transnational Organised Crime, NGO representatives presented their points of view at a side event organised by the UNODC Civil Society Team on the margins of the CTOC/COP7 (READ MORE)

African civil society and governments working together on anti-corruption issues
	With the support of the Austrian Development Agency, 30 participants representing NGOs and governmental focal points from 12 countries across Africa attended the workshop on UNCAC implementation (READ MORE)

Bringing governments and civil society together to fight corruption in Asia
	From 24 to 27 February 2014, UNODC and the UNCAC Coalition hosted a multi-stakeholder workshop for civil society organisations and government officials on UNCAC and its review mechanism in Malaysia (READ MORE)

Active participation of civil society at the 5th session of CoSP
	Over 170 CSO representatives from some 40 organizations participated in the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, held in Panama on 24-29 November 2013 (READ MORE)

CSOs around the world celebrate the International Anti-Corruption Day
	The campaign on 9 December 2013 aims to bring together people from all walks of life in the fight against corruption, serving as a global call for action and raising awareness about the UN Convention against Corruption (READ MORE)

Evaluation of UNODC Civil Society Project shows positive impact and way forward
	UNODC Global Project which aims to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to combat corruption and contribute to the UNCAC review process underwent an independent evaluation and the results were presented in Vienna (READ MORE)

Empowering CSOs to better fight corruption through the UNCAC
	A fourth training to strengthen civil society capacity on the United Nation Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and its review mechanism took place from 18-21 June 2013 in Dakar, Senegal (READ MORE)

Non-governmental organizations briefing at the Implementation Review Group to UNCAC
	At the 4 ^th session of the IRG of UNCAC, a NGO Briefing was organized on 30 May 2013 by the Secretariat of UNCAC, pursuant to the provisions of Resolution 4/6 (READ MORE)

New global campaign design competition for the International Anti-Corruption Day
	For this year's International Anti Corruption Day, we're calling on youth between the ages of 15- 25 to submit their ideas and maybe have them featured in the 2013 theme (READ MORE)

Encouraging CSOs anti-corruption work with the private sector
	To effectively contribute to the global effort in tackling corruption and its effects on the economic and social environments, UNODC has launched a second round of its small grants scheme for CSOs (READ MORE)

One-day training session for NGOs in Brasilia
	UNODC and the UNCAC Coalition have organized a training session to strengthen civil society capacity on UNCAC. The training took place on 6 November 2012 in Brazil (READ MORE)

Over 100 Civil Society Organizations trained on UNCAC and its review mechanism
	A third training to strengthen civil society's capacity on the UNCAC and its review mechanism took place from 9-12 October 2012 at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in partnership with the Austrian Development Cooperation (READ MORE)

UNCAC Implementation Review Group (IRG) holds its first NGO Briefing Session
	Following Resolution 4/6, adopted at the 2011 Conference of States Parties (COSP), a Briefing Session with representatives of NGOs was held on the sideline of the IRG with the objective to further promote constructive dialogue with NGOs dealing with anti-corruption issues (READ MORE)

Successful training for CSOs on the UNCAC and its review mechanism
	During a training which took place on 20-23 March 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa, 40 CSOs from some 30 countries across Africa and Asia attended interactive sessions organized by experts from Transparency International and UNODC (READ MORE)

NGOs take the Road to Marrakech: Active participation of civil society at the Conference of the States Parties
	200 NGO representatives participated in the fourth Conference of the States Parties which took place from 24-28 October in Marrakech, Morocco, and contributed meaningfully to the various activities related to UNCAC (READ MORE)

_{Events
2019}

The International Anti-Corruption Day, 9 December 2019, link
8th session of the Conference of the State Parties to the UNCAC, Abu Dhabi, 16-20 December 2019, link