Malawi – Thailand – Uzbekistan

Malawi President Launches Anti-Corruption Campaign to Fight Graft. "During the launch, the President also co-signed statements of commitments from 12 institutions that detailed their plans of action for fighting corruption. The 12 stakeholders include the judiciary, civil society organizations, the business community, traditional leaders and parliament." 

Voice of America: https://www.voanews.com/a/malawi-president-launches-anti-corruption-campaign-to-fight-graft-/6675985.html 

 

Building A Safe and Conducive Environment for Business In Thailand. "The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has also developed, in line with existing international standards on the prevention of corruption, a group of eight essential principles to prevent bribery." 

Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nacc-thailand/2022/07/27/building-a-safe-and-conducive-environment-for-business-in-thailand/?sh=690fc3794ca4 

 

The Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan to establish cooperation with Japanese educational institutions in the field of combating corruption. "An agreement was reached on cooperation in anti-corruption education of citizens and civil servants, joint activities related to the creation of anti-corruption programs and research." 

Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan: https://anticorruption.uz/en/item/2022/07/26/yaponiya-oliy-talim-muassasalari-bilan-korrupsiyaga-qarshi-kurashish-sohasida-muhim-hamkorlik-yolga-qoyiladi 

Bosnia and Herzegovina – Ukraine - Namibia

What is the state of the priority anti-corruption legislation in Bosnia and Herzegovina? "This country should adopt laws in the field of the fight against corruption – the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH and Law on Courts, the Law on Prevention of Conflicts of Interest and the Law on Public Procurement." 

European Western Balkans: https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2022/07/05/what-is-the-state-of-the-priority-anti-corruption-legislation-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina/ 

 

Ukraine: EU report notes important steps taken in the implementation of the reform agenda. "In the area of justice, rule of law and the fight against corruption, … a new law on the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) was adopted establishing a much needed clear legal framework for the office." 

European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_4706 

 

The Prime Minister of Namibia encourages procurement from youth and women. "This would help young businesses gain access to markets for their products and develop into significant businesses." 

New Era: https://neweralive.na/posts/pm-encourages-procurement-from-youth-women 

Global – Global - Nigeria

[Blog] Policymakers Must Consider Bold Policy Proposals to Counter Multiplying Money Laundering Threats from Environmental Crimes. "There is still work to do be done in researching and detailing bold new policies to tackle the illicit finance and environmental crimes nexus–work that must be done by anti-corruption and conservation communities." 

FACT Coalition: https://thefactcoalition.org/policymakers-must-consider-bold-policy-proposals-to-counter-multiplying-money-laundering-threats-from-environmental-crimes/ 

 

[Publication] Democratizing the Digital Space: Harnessing Technology to Amplify Participation in Governance Processes in the Global South. "This report explores how the digital world has impacted the Global South, putting the rights of users and their participation in governance processes at the centre of the conversation." 

UNDP Oslo Governance Centre: https://www.undp.org/oslo-governance-centre/publications/democratizing-digital-space-harnessing-technology-amplify-participation-governance-processes-global-south 

 

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of Nigeria moves to end illicit financial flows (IFFs) in private sector. "This activity includes research to better appreciate the nature IFFs in Nigeria, including its full extent as well as its incidences in many sectors like Oil and Gas, Education, Real Estate as well as taxation, investment and contract negotiation." 

Vanguard: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/07/icpc-moves-to-end-illicit-financial-flows-in-private-sector/ 

U.K. – Malaysia - Armenia

The Prime Minister's Special Envoy to the Western Balkans highlights the UK's increased efforts to address crime and corruption in the Western Balkans and around the world. "We will support you in reforming your elections and in all your efforts for transparency, accountability and democracy. We will help boost civic engagement in holding government to account." 

GOV UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/breaking-the-links-between-politics-business-and-illicit-activity-in-the-western-balkans 

 

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) developing platform for hearing-impaired individuals to channel information on corruption. "With a communication bridge via this platform, we hope for more interaction not only through complaints and information but also any issue relating to corruption so that this group can be clear about the meaning of corruption." 

The Edge Markets: https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/macc-developing-platform-hearingimpaired-individuals-channel-information-corruption 

 

Armenia ahead in anti-corruption, judicial independence areas. "Deputy Minister of Justice noted that by the 2020-2021 Eastern Partnership index, as a result of cooperation with the EU and the implemented reforms Armenia recorded positive progress in the areas of anti-corruption and judicial independence, surpassing all other Eastern Partnership countries." 

Armenpress: https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1088785.html 

Global – Ghana - Vietnam

[Publication] Investing with integrity by Transparency International UK. "Business integrity is central to fulfilling a development mandate, and should not only be a matter of compliance." 

TI UK: https://www.transparency.org.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/publications/Investing%20with%20Integrity%20-%20Transparency%20International%20UK.pdf 

 

The 2021 Ghana Integrity of Public Service Survey - People's Experiences and Views on Corruption Report disclosed. "The report highlighted the scope of bribery, from who gave or took the bribes, how bribery worked, gender dimensions, nepotism, and vote-buying in Ghana." 

All Africa: https://allafrica.com/stories/202207210146.html 

 

Justice Ministry considers leniency for corruption criminals willing to pay up. "It should focus on recovering corrupt assets, apply leniency for those who commit crimes but have a sincere attitude, have compensated for damage or addressed economic consequences, and cooperated well with authorities." 

Newswire: https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/582164456/justice-ministry-considers-leniency-for-corruption-criminals-willing-to-pay-up 

Global - U.S. - South Korea

[UNDP Blog] Traversing the metaverse whilst managing risks with opportunities. "As innovations flourish, open digital standards and responsible governance mechanisms must be a common denominator among the emerging platforms." 

UNDP: https://www.undp.org/blog/traversing-metaverse-whilst-managing-risks-opportunities 

 

House of the U.S. Passes Bill to Boost Budget of Nation's Financial Crime Fighters. "New funds will empower the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which is the bureau of the Treasury Department responsible for implementing the Corporate Transparency Act to end the abuse of anonymous U.S. shell companies, to expedite lagging anti-money laundering rulemakings." 

FACT Coalition: https://thefactcoalition.org/house-passes-bill-to-boost-budget-of-nations-financial-crime-fighters/ 

 

The Anti-corruption and Civil Right Commission (ACRC) Set Out the Integrity & Ethics Compliance Program Guidelines. "ACRC distributed the guidelines to public institutions in an effort to create a culture of integrity and ethics compliance program in which public institutions minimize corruption risks in management and comply with anti-corruption laws." 

ACRC: https://acrc.go.kr/board.es?mid=a20301000000&bid=62&act=view&list_no=40295 

Ukraine – Kazakhstan - Malaysia

Ukraine picks new anti-corruption prosecutor. "Progress in fighting corruption, including the appointment of an anti-corruption prosecutor, is one of Kyiv's long-term commitments to its Western partners." 

REUTERS: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-picks-new-anti-corruption-prosecutor-2022-07-19/ 

 

Combat against corruption is one of main focuses of presidential reforms, held a meeting of the Commission on the Fight against Corruption under the President of Kazakhstan. "It aims at achieving strategic tasks, conducting comprehensive work to eliminate conditions that lead to corruption, and reduce its level, forming an anti-corruption immunity in the society and increasing the well-being of the population." 

Inform.kz: https://www.inform.kz/en/combat-against-corruption-is-one-of-main-focuses-of-presidential-reforms-karin_a3956684 

 

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said that the issue of procurement, enforcement and grand corruption are the highest contributors to the risk of corruption in the country. "In the statistics of information received from 2019 to April 2022, administrative issues had contributed to 37.5 per cent, enforcement (24.4 per cent) while procurement contributed 24.2 per cent." 

The Sun: https://www.thesundaily.my/local/macc-issue-of-procurement-enforcement-main-contributors-to-risk-of-corruption-EA9471547 

Global – Hungary - Zimbabwe

[Publication] Effectively evaluating anti-corruption interventions by U4 Research Centre. "Combating corruption is a complex, long-term undertaking. The possibility of unintended consequences and backlashes is ever present. Evaluators should ensure their methodology is designed to overcome theme-specific challenges." 

U4: https://www.u4.no/publications/effectively-evaluating-anti-corruption-interventions 

 

Hungary optimistic on €15bn EU funds after pledges on energy and corruption. "Hungary's decision to offer detailed proposals addressing rule of law concerns — such as for reducing single-bidder tenders for public contracts and a new judiciary branch challenging the supremacy of the chief prosecutor — is seen positively within Brussels." 

Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/c8b56137-f769-451d-8408-928767652897 

 

Zimbabwe's national anti-corruption strategy steering committee reviewed the implementation of the strategy launched two years ago. "At yesterday's engagement, there was (also) the signing of integrity pledges by public officials and institutes that they will abide by the Constitution of Zimbabwe and fight against corruption." 

The Herald: https://www.herald.co.zw/anti-corruption-team-reviews-strategy/ 

Global - Africa - Bulgaria

[Publications] Digital Transformation of improve anti-money laundering (AML) / counter-terrorist financing (CFT) researched by Financial Action Task Force (FATF). "Technology is transforming the way we work and live. In many fields, it offers considerable efficiencies and cost savings. The FATF is exploring the opportunities that technology can offer to AML/CFT efforts." 

FATF: https://www.fatf-gafi.org/publications/digitaltransformation/digital-transformation.html?hf=10&b=0&s=desc(fatf_releasedate) 

 

[Blog] Recognizing progress in the fight against corruption: Stories from Africa. "The fight against corruption often feels like an uphill battle. But there are fights in this battle that are being won and there is plenty of progress and optimism to be found." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/recognising-progress-in-the-fight-against-corruption-stories-from-africa 

 

The European Commission (EC) recommends further judicial, anti-corruption reform in Bulgaria. "There are increasing concerns related to the functioning of the Supreme Judicial Council and the need to address its composition is all the more important. Concerns related to the Inspectorate to the Supreme Judicial Council remain." 

Seenews: https://seenews.com/news/ec-recommends-further-judicial-anti-corruption-reform-in-bulgaria-791490 

Pakistan – Malawi - Nigeria

IMF seeks strengthening of anti-graft institutions in Pakistan. "Under the IMF agreement, a committee would be formed that would oversee changes in the National Accountability Bureau laws and their implementation."  

Pakistan Observer: https://pakobserver.net/imf-seeks-strengthening-of-anti-graft-institutions-tarin/ 

 

UNDP Malawi to leverage digital transformation in the Covid-19 era through South-South Cooperation. "To help realise the Parliament of Malawi's digitalization journey, UNDP has provided ICT infrastructure upgrades and technical support as part of the digital transformation and Covid-19 response work." 

UNDP Malawi: https://www.undp.org/malawi/news/leveraging-digital-transformation-covid-19-era-through-south-south-cooperation 

 

Lack of Integrity by Professionals fuels Corruption in Nigeria. "The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said that integrity should be the cornerstone of every professional practice, and professional bodies must be seen to enforce their code of ethics." 

ICPC: https://icpc.gov.ng/2022/07/14/lack-of-integrity-by-professionals-fuels-corruption-icpc-boss/

Global – Europe - Kazakhstan

[Publication] Aid Transparency Index 2022. "The Index reveals that more aid organisations than ever before are publishing good quality information and score "very good" or "good" in the global ranking." 

Publish What You Fund: https://www.publishwhatyoufund.org/the-index/2022/ 

 

[Publication] 2022 Rule of Law Report by the European Commission. "The report, including its 27 country chapters, examines developments across the Member States, in four key areas for the rule of law: the justice system, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism and other institutional issues related to checks and balances." 

European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/rule-law-mechanism/2022-rule-law-report_en 

 

Qualitative Development of Partnership with Kazakhstan is Important, Says EU Special Representative. "She and the chair of Kazakh Anti-Corruption Agency discussed the introduction of legal liability for illicit enrichment and declaration of income and expenses as well as Kazakhstan's preparations for joining the Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention on Corruption." 

The Astana Times: https://astanatimes.com/2022/07/qualitative-development-of-partnership-with-kazakhstan-is-important-says-eu-special-representative-for-central-asia/ 

Africa - Ukraine - Global

COVID-19 Relief Funds and Illicit Financial Flows Top Concerns by Transparency International for Africa Anti-Corruption Day. "This is a critical moment for the African region and its people. If corruption is not addressed urgently, it will block efforts to rebuild after the devastating pandemic and the region's hopes of charting a path to a stronger future." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/press/africa-anti-corruption-day-covid-19-relief-funds-and-illicit-financial-flows-top-concerns-open-letter 

Ukraine Plans Anti-Corruption Reforms. "The decision was made last week after it was revealed that Ukraine will be granted hundreds of billions of dollars from the strongest economies in the world for post-war reconstruction." 

Kyiv Post: https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics-2/zelensky-plans-anti-corruption-reforms.html 

Anti-Corruption Collective Action Awards 2022 at the International Collective Action Conference 2022 held in Basel, Switzerland. "In the category of Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action 2022, the award goes to the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network's Collective Action initiative in Nigeria in collaboration with the Convention on Business Integrity." 

Basel Institute: https://collective-action.com/get-involved/events/icac-2022/awards/ 

Africa - Pacific – Global

African Anti-Corruption Day 2022: Strategies and Mechanisms for the Transparent Management of Covid-19 Funds. "The day shall serve as a basis for all anti-corruption stakeholders to reflect and dialogue on the strategies and mechanisms taken on the transparency in management of Covid-19 funds." 

AUABC: https://anticorruption.au.int/en/events/2022-07-11/african-anti-corruption-day-2022 

 

Transparency International calls for strengthened anti-corruption efforts in the Pacific. "While Climate Change persists as the greatest threat to the livelihood, security, and wellbeing of the Pacific people, corruption also plays a major role in undermining progress towards a secure, peaceful, and prosperous region." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/press/pacific-islands-forum-leaders-observers-strengthened-anti-corruption-efforts-implementation-open-letter 

 

OECD launches first survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions on Wednesday 13 July. "OECD conducted the first cross-national survey of more than 50,000 people in 22 countries, aimed at helping governments better understand where citizen confidence is wavering, where it remains solid and what needs to be done to close the gap." 

OECD: https://www.oecd.org/newsroom/media-advisory-oecd-launches-first-survey-on-drivers-of-trust-in-public-institutions-on-wednesday-13-july.htm 

Hong Kong - Ukraine - G20

New chief of Hong Kong's anti-graft agency says decade of experience fighting corruption in prisons will serve him well. "While the new commissioner said he was still familiarising himself with the anti-graft organisation's various departments, he noted that the next five years would be pivotal for the agency." 

South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3184497/new-chief-hong-kongs-anti-graft-agency-says-decade 

 

Ukraine must actively combat corruption in order to unleash a massive influx of reconstruction money, the head of the UNDP said. "Achim Steiner said UNDP would work with Ukraine on accountability, transparency and using digital technology for E-government platforms." 

New Age: https://www.newagebd.net/article/175347/ukraine-must-fight-corruption-too-un 

 

G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) Members Share Good Practices on Public Participation and Anti-Corruption Education. "G20 must provide examples and strengthen the effort to increase anti-corruption awareness in youth and develop the culture of integrity." 

Mirage: https://www.miragenews.com/g20-acwg-members-share-good-practices-on-public-815332/ 

Global - U.K. - South Korea

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: International anti-corruption summer school for students and young people (Online, 19 – 25 September 2022). "The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) join forces to organize the second international anti-corruption summer school that will build ethical skills and mindsets and will raise awareness among them of the values and principles of integrity, ethics and anti-corruption." 

IACA: Summer School Asia-Pacific (iaca.int), Summer School Asia-Pacific – Online Courses (iaca.int)  

 

[Blog] U.K.'s Migration Research Comic-Con 2022: Lessons in storytelling for anti-corruption? "I have seen comics devoured by, and influence the thinking of, small-town officials, national policymakers and donor advisers. The comics convey the same messages as detailed research, but are much more accessible." 

U4: https://www.u4.no/blog/migration-research-comic-con-2022-lessons-in-storytelling 

 

Head of anti-corruption agency in South Korea rebuffs ruling party's calls to step down. "The chairperson of the ACRC is "recommended by the National Assembly or Supreme Court Chief Justice and its status, independence and term are guaranteed by the law," the head of a state anti-corruption agency said." 

Yonhap News Agency: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220707004100315 

U.S. - Serbia - Vietnam

U.S. State Department Names New Global Anticorruption Coordinator. "Richard Nephew will work closely with other U.S. government agencies and international partners to advance U.S. anticorruption policy."   

The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-state-department-names-new-global-anticorruption-coordinator-11657056223?mod=business_major_pos13 

 

The Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) publishes the Fifth Evaluation Round report, evaluated in 2021, on measures to take concerning top executive functions, including the President, ministers, assistant ministers, state secretaries, chiefs of cabinet and political advisers, and the police. "GRECO stresses that asset declarations of persons with top executive functions should systematically undergo substantive monitoring." 

Council of Europe: https://www.coe.int/en/web/greco/-/serbia-publication-of-5th-round-evaluation-repo-1 

 

National conference reviews 10-year corruption fight in Vietnam. "Participants said the fight has been carried out drastically, comprehensively, and methodologically with very strong political resolve, resulting in considerable outcomes and winning people's support." 

Vietnam Plus: https://en.vietnamplus.vn/national-conference-reviews-10year-corruption-fight/231930.vnp

G20 – South Africa – Nigeria

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to re-highlight four priority issues at 2nd Anti-Corruption Working Group G20. "Four priority issues comprise increasing the role of audit in eradicating corruption, public participation and anti-corruption education, regulatory framework and supervision of the role of the legal profession in money laundering from corruption, and eradicating corruption in the renewable energy sector." 

Antara News: https://en.antaranews.com/news/237385/kpk-to-re-highlight-four-priority-issues-at-2nd-acwg-g20 

 

[Opinion] Government needs to regain trust of the people of South Africa — and that means acting against corruption. "To regain and enhance the trust of its citizens, government must take very visible steps to fight the corruption in its ranks." 

Daily Maverick: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-04-government-needs-to-regain-trust-of-the-people-of-south-africa-and-that-means-acting-against-corruption/ 

 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) identified ways real estate developers can be involved in curbing money laundering and illicit financial flow in Nigeria. "'Enhancing the Real Estate Sector through Effective Regulation and Collaborations,' was in line with the commission's mandate of partnership and collaboration with relevant institutions toward building a mass mobilization". 

Premium Times: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/540831-how-real-estate-developers-can-help-to-curb-money-laundering-iff-icpc.html