Anti-Corruption Day: UN says ending ‘corrosive’ crime can boost sustainable development

To mark International Anti-Corruption Day, the United Nations is calling for people across the globe to join a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about what Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has called a “corrosive” scourge, and encouraging people from all walks of life to take action against this crime.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), under the slogan “Break the Corruption Chain”, are urging Governments, the private sector and the general public to jointly tackle this issue by changing their attitudes towards the problem. The campaign also highlights that acting against corruption is imperative to achieving the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all, amongst others.

Mr. Ban, in his message noted that attitudes towards corruption have changed dramatically. “Where once bribery, corruption and illicit financial flows were often considered part of the cost of doing business, today, corruption is widely; and rightly understood as criminal and corrosive,” he explained.

“Corruption has disastrous impacts on development when funds that should be devoted to schools, health clinics and other vital public services are instead diverted into the hands of criminals or dishonest officials,” the Secretary-General stressed, adding that corruption also exacerbates violence and insecurity and can lead to dissatisfaction with public institutions, disillusion with government in general, and spirals of anger and unrest.

According to the Secretary-General, the UN Convention against Corruption provides a comprehensive platform for Governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society and individual citizens. Through prevention, criminalization, international cooperation and assets recovery, the treaty advances global progress toward ending corruption.

“I call for united efforts to deliver a clear message around the world that firmly rejects corruption and embraces instead the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance,” Mr. Ban said, adding: “This will benefit communities and countries, helping to usher in a better future for all.”