Global - EU - Malaysia

[Blog] As climate adaptation takes centre stage, so should corruption considerations. "As COP27 hears the shout for funding climate adaptation – rather than just mitigation – anti-corruption voices also need to be heard. Corruption will cripple climate action." 

U4 Anti-corruption Resource Centre: https://www.u4.no/blog/climate-adaptation-takes-centre-stage-so-should-corruption 

 

[Opinion] The 'proof' problem with EU sanctions — and how to fix it. "Sanctions are most effective when coordinated with other states, and a solid framework would help short circuit these networks, constrain criminals' actions, and protect the integrity of Western domestic institutions." 

EU Observer: https://euobserver.com/opinion/156458 

 

Malaysia's new prime minister vows to unify the country and fight corruption. "There are some core issues that we will never compromise [on]," he said, citing good governance, anti-corruption issues and judicial independence." 

CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/25/malaysias-new-pm-anwar-ibrahim-vows-to-unify-country-fight-corruption.html 

Global - Global - Global

The 20^th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) Agenda #IACC2022: Uprooting Corruption, Defending Democratic Values. "Over 70 thematic sessions: IACC connected world leaders to international networks, activists, experts, journalists, businesses and more, bringing together over 1500 people from 140 countries." 

IACC: https://hopin.com/events/international-anti-corruption-conference-2022-uprooting-corruption-defending-democratic-values-84a93061-f7c7-43f0-b4a1-955ff27e9e30/registration 

 

International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) - 9 December 2022. "The 2022 IACD also marks the start of our efforts to mark the twentieth anniversary of UNCAC. This is reflected by the theme of this year's international day, "UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption" 

The United Nations: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/anticorruptionday/index.html 

 

[Job Announcement] Research and Knowledge Management Analyst based in Oslo, Norway. "The Analyst will be responsible for coordinating research and knowledge management activities implemented by ACPIS global project at the global, regional and country levels." 

UNDP: UNDP Jobs - 110380- Research and Knolwedge Management Analyst 

Africa – Nigeria - Australia

African nations win UN tussle over paving the way for global tax reforms. "The U.N. approved a resolution today to begin talks on establishing a new global tax system that could reign in corporate tax dodging and curb money laundering around the world." 

International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ) : https://www.icij.org/investigations/paradise-papers/african-nations-win-un-tussle-over-paving-the-way-for-global-tax-reforms/ 

 

Nigeria's Federal Executive Council has approved an extension of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Document from 2022-2026. "The proceeds of the fight against corruption have been ploughed into the nation's economy as a means of impacting the livelihood of Nigerians through programmes like the school feeding programme and trader money, among others." 

Voice of Nigeria: https://von.gov.ng/federal-executive-council-approves-new-anti-corruption-strategy-document/ 

 

Federal anti-corruption watchdog bill passes Australia's lower house. "The Senate has extended its sitting calendar so laws to establish the commission can be passed before parliament finishes for the year next Friday." 

SBS News: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/federal-anti-corruption-watchdog-bill-passes-australias-lower-house/2rwovnohk 

Australia – The Commonwealth – The Philippines

Whistleblower protection must not be an afterthought – it is the main game of integrity in Australia. "These developments underscore the importance of those who speak up in the public interest. In the public and private sectors, whistleblowers are a central part in bringing wrongdoing to light." 

The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/nov/23/whistleblower-protection-must-not-be-an-afterthought-it-is-the-main-game-of-integrity 

 

We must transform justice systems to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, says Commonwealth Secretary-General. "She said no conversation on the rule of law can be complete without a discussion on access to justice for citizens across the Commonwealth at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting." 

The Commonwealth: https://thecommonwealth.org/news/we-must-transform-justice-systems-meet-challenges-today-and-tomorrow 

 

9 in 10 Filipinos want stronger anti-corruption laws—survey. "They believe the government should strengthen anti-corruption laws and collective mechanisms to implement and fulfill its international commitment to combating corruption, a recent Pulse Asia survey showed." 

Manila Standard: https://manilastandard.net/news/314277738/9-in-10-pinoys-want-stronger-anti-corruption-laws-survey.html

ASEAN – Global - Libya

[Event] Upscaling the Fair Business Environment in ASEAN with UNDP FairBiz project. "The regional event organized by UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub will present the tangible benefits of the project launched in 2018 with the generous support of the UK Government, ASEAN Economic Reform Programme." 

UNDP: https://www.undp.org/asia-pacific/fairbiz/events/regional-event-sustaining-and-upscaling-fair-business-environment-asean 

 

[Online course] Anti-corruption courses related to natural resource sector are open to everyone by U4. "Corruption and wildlife trafficking, corruption in the forestry sector and corruption in the extractive industries course are provided with a self-paced format." 

U4 Anti-corruption Resource Centre: https://www.u4.no/online-courses 

 

The anti-corruption conference, attended by High-level officials, was held in Libya focusing on fighting corruption to build stability. "The conference proposed 5 pillars: modernising, coordinating and resourcing efforts; curbing illicit finance; holding corrupt actors accountable; preserving and strengthening the multilateral architecture; and improving diplomatic engagement and leveraging foreign assistance."  

Libyan Express: https://www.libyanexpress.com/tripoli-conference-combating-corruption-and-promoting-good-governance/ 

Global – Global - Nigeria

[Publication] Corruption and crimes linked to the transfer of athletes increase risk among minors and vulnerable adults: new UNODC research. "Strong anecdotal evidence indicates a variety of corrupt and criminal conducts in transactions related to the transfer of athletes, from illicit financial flows to trafficking in persons." 

UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2022/November/corruption-and-crimes-linked-to-the-transfer-of-athletes-increase-risk-among-minors-and-vulnerable-adults_-new-unodc-research.html 

 

[Blog] Investing in forests for climate action. "There is also a need for transformational change in how climate finance is allocated, disbursed, and effectively implemented, so that the resources needed are available rapidly for climate action on the ground." 

UNDP: https://www.undp.org/blog/investing-forests-climate-action 

 

Money Laundering: Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) beams searchlight on more governors ahead of 2023. "The anti-graft agency (EFCC) is monitoring illicit financial flows by many state governors without elucidating on the particulars of those under surveillance." 

Peoples Gazette: https://gazettengr.com/money-laundering-efcc-beams-searchlight-on-more-governors-ahead-of-2023/ 

G20 – PNG – Global

G20 Bali Leaders' Declaration. "We will continue to lead by example through strengthening and implementing our obligations and commitments to anti-corruption efforts including through legally binding instruments, while renewing our commitment to zero tolerance for corruption." 

White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/16/g20-bali-leaders-declaration/ 

 

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) launched its Anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategy 2023-2025. "ICAC foresees that the threat of corruption is not only from the outside but also within, thus it is critically important for ICAC to ensure that they have systems and processes that can help them eradicate corruption." 

Papua New Guinea Today: https://news.pngfacts.com/2022/11/icac-launches-strategy-to-combat.html 

 

[Announcement] TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix 2022. "It measures business bribery risk in 194 jurisdictions. The overall country risk score is a combined and weighted score of four domains: Business Interactions with Government; Anti-Bribery Deterrence and Enforcement; Government and Civil Service Transparency; and Capacity for Civil Society Oversight, including the role of the media." 

Trace: https://www.traceinternational.org/trace-matrix 

Global – Global - Nigeria

[Publication] Greening energy: An anti-corruption primer. "Corruption is expected to pose major obstacles for the green energy transition. Decarbonisation of energy systems requires investments from the tens to hundreds of trillions of dollars." 

U4 Anti-corruption Resource Centre: https://www.u4.no/publications/greening-energy-an-anti-corruption-primer 

 

COP27: India calls for ambitious and concessional finance goal post-2025.  "Transparency and trust are the backbones of all multilateral discussions. Having a clear definition of climate finance will promote transparency and trust, vital for furthering constructive deliberations." 

Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cop27-india-calls-for-ambitious-and-concessional-finance-goal-post2025-101668448677292-amp.html 

 

Stakeholders seek application of behavior change approach to fight corruption in Nigeria. "We are advocating that we should all come back to the drawing boards and get our values rights in the society. All the behaviors that are illegal let us leave. It is for our common good so that we can have shared prosperity and we can all do it right and get it right." 

Vanguard: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/11/stakeholders-seek-application-of-behaviour-change-approach-to-fight-corruption/ 

Africa – Armenia - Zimbabwe

Return Stolen Assets to Original Victims, CSO Activist Tells Anti-corruption Agencies. "He also charged African countries to come up with legal frameworks for the management of recovered assets, stating that it will encourage countries outside the African continent where the assets are located to send them back to Africa." 

Economic Confidential: https://economicconfidential.com/2022/11/return-stolen-assets/ 

 

[Publication] Developments and detection of education fraud in the Republic of Armenia: Risks and responses in the Covid-19 age. "The pandemic revealed the need to reconsider the traditional tools and policies used for transparency, accountability and anti-corruption measures in education." 

Council of Europe: https://www.coe.int/en/web/education/-/new-study-discusses-academic-fraud-in-the-republic-of-armenia-in-the-covid-19-context 

 

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) takes anti-corruption education to rural place. "The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among the rural populace, empower the rural people with knowledge, skills and strategies in mitigating corruption." 

The Herald: https://www.herald.co.zw/zacc-takes-anti-corruption-awareness-campaign-to-rural-areas/ 

Global – Afghanistan – South Africa

[Publication] Specialised anti-corruption courts – A comparative mapping. "While there are no definitive best practices for specialised anti-corruption courts, existing models and experience provide some guidance to reformers considering the creation of similar institutions." 

U4 Anti-corruption Resource Centre: https://www.u4.no/publications/specialised-anti-corruption-courts 

 

[Opinion] Corruption and its effects on the people of Afghanistan. "To put an end to corruption in Afghanistan, restructuring of government management and financial accounting is needed." 

Modern Diplomacy: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2022/11/13/corruption-and-its-effects-on-the-people-of-afghanistan/ 

 

South Africa's New procurement bill to tackle corruption in government. "The President last month pledged to redesign the country's entire anti-corruption architecture, including banning ministers from participating in procurement, introducing new laws to regulate state contracts and ensuring whistle-blowers are better protected." 

Tech Central: https://techcentral.co.za/new-procurement-bill-to-tackle-corruption-in-government/217181/ 

Nigeria – Saudi Arabia - Madagascar

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeks transparency in oil sector. "The complexities in the oil and gas industry render the sector "vulnerable and highly susceptible to money laundering." 

Punch: https://punchng.com/efcc-seeks-transparency-in-oil-sector/ 

 

Saudi Arabia becomes member in steering committee of the International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport (IPACS). "A leading role (is expected) in formulating and defining international anti-corruption policies in the sports field to achieve the highest levels of transparency, integrity and governance in granting the rights to host and broadcast international matches and competitions." 

Saudi Gazette: https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/626791 

 

Transparency International (TI) calls for accountability in Madagascar's lychee market. "TI conducted research into this opaque trade and found evidence of numerous potential infractions, including foreign bribery, unlawful agreements, tax fraud, laundering and concealment of such offences." 

TI: https://www.transparency.org/en/press/transparency-international-calls-for-accountability-in-madagascars-lychee-market 

Portugal – Ukraine - St Kitts and Nevis

OECD says Portugal must step up fight against corruption of foreign public officials. "The OECD report points out that detection of corruption "remains low and Portuguese authorities have prematurely closed" cases of corruption by foreign public officials "without thoroughly and proactively investigating the relevant allegations". 

Portugal Resident: https://www.portugalresident.com/portugal-must-step-up-fight-against-corruption-of-foreign-public-officials-oecd/ 

 

European Commission proposes a support package of up to €18 billion for Ukraine for 2023. "The funds will carry out sectoral and institutional reforms, including anti-corruption and judicial reforms, respect of the rule of law, good governance, and modernisation of the national and local institutions." 

European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/qanda_22_6701 

 

St Kitts and Nevis creates new opportunities for business by rooting out corruption. "The government sees the new Anti-Corruption Act as one step towards reactivating its infrastructural and social growth and building a more resilient and inclusive economy." 

Yahoo Finance: https://www.yahoo.com/now/st-kitts-nevis-creates-opportunities-123200037.html 

Global - Global - Africa

[Publication] Integrity matters: Net zero commitments by business, financial institutions, cities and regions. "The High‑Level Expert Group on the Net Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities was tasked by the UN Secretary General with addressing net zero pledges and commitments from non‑state actors." 

UN: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/high-level_expert_group_n7b.pdf 

 

Benefiting people and the planet: why we must prioritize gender in anti-corruption and climate efforts. "We need to prioritize the inclusion of women in the entire climate intervention process, and protect women's access to resources and strengthening their ability to take climate action." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/we-must-prioritise-gender-in-anti-corruption-and-climate-efforts-maldives-zambia-brazil 

 

African Think Tank is calling on African governments to tackle issues relating to corruption if indeed it is committed to the goals of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27). "The alliance stressed that it shall continue to use all legal means to push for total transparency and disclosure in energy and climate project sectors." 

Modern Ghana: https://www.modernghana.com/news/1193986/until-good-governance-anti-corruption-is-taken.html

Global - Africa - France

COP 27: World leaders must block undue influence to achieve climate action. "Fighting climate change and fighting corruption go hand in hand. The world's most powerful industries, from fossil fuels to automobile manufacturers, continue to lobby to dilute and delay climate policies – and they must be stopped if we are to make real progress to save our planet." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/press/cop-27-world-leaders-must-block-undue-influence-to-achieve-climate-action 

 

African Union member-states commit to implementation of Africa's asset recovery agenda. "Discussions focused on experience sharing while ensuring that the frameworks for asset recovery by African States maintained a comprehensive approach in a holistic and economically beneficial way. The meeting also made valid proposals to address key legal issues that African States face in recovering illicit financial outflows and stolen assets." 

The Eagle Online: https://theeagleonline.com.ng/au-member-states-commit-to-implementation-of-africas-asset-recovery-agenda/ 

 

French Anticorruption Agency Publishes 2022 Analysis of Corporate Anticorruption Measures. "Although French companies have made progress in anticorruption compliance over the past two years, the Agency has found that they still have difficulty implementing certain measures, particularly anticorruption accounting controls." 

JD SUPRA: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/french-anticorruption-agency-publishes-1873919/ 

Global - Georgia - Iraq

The Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), UN sign pact to equip parliamentarians to fight corruption. "Under this initiative, a guide will be issued to train parliamentarians in various countries of the world to address the phenomenon of corruption."  

Gulf Times: https://www.gulf-times.com/story/728240/GOPAC-UN-sign-pact-to-equip-parliamentarians-to-fi 

 

[Blog] Anti-corruption reforms have been successful in Georgia, but blockchain is stealing the limelight. "Much has been written about blockchain's contribution to land registry reforms in Georgia. But much of the credit should go to longer-term institutional reforms." 

U4 Anti-corruption resource centre: https://www.u4.no/blog/anti-corruption-reforms-successful-in-georgia-blockchain-stealing-limelight 

 

New Iraqi PM focuses on corruption, economic reforms as allies push for positions. "As part of his declared crackdown on corruption, he had directed the "tracking down of oil smuggling networks and the arrest of the mobs" implicated in such illicit activities." 

Amwaj Media: https://amwaj.media/media-monitor/in-iraq-major-challenges-threaten-pm-sudani-s-anti-corruption-efforts