International Anti-Corruption Day 2022: All You Need To Know

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability.

In a bid to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it, the United Nations Assembly designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day.

Corruption not only follows conflict but is also frequently one of its root causes. It fuels conflict and inhibits peace processes by undermining the rule of law, worsening poverty, facilitating the illicit use of resources, and providing financing for armed conflict.

Preventing corruption, promoting transparency and strengthening institutions is crucial if the targets foreseen in the Sustainable Development Goals are to be met.

‘Recover the Integrity’ is the theme for upcoming 2 years to celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day.

The theme of International Anti-Corruption Day 2022 is “Your right, your role: say no to corruption”.

The 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development. At its core is the notion that tackling this crime is the right and responsibility of everyone, and that only through cooperation and the involvement of each and every person and institution can we overcome the negative impact of this crime. States, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth alike all have a role to play in uniting the world against corruption.

The 2022 IACD also marks the start of efforts to mark the twentieth anniversary of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Over the next year, culminating with IACD 2023, we will be reflecting on a world made better thanks to the collective push afforded by the Convention and, crucially, what gaps remain to ensure this is a truly strong mechanism for the years ahead.

As we move towards the twentieth anniversary of UNCAC in October 2023, this Convention and the values it promotes are more important than ever which requires everyone to join efforts to tackle this crime. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Secretariat for the Convention’s Conference of States Parties, are at the forefront of ensuring a world #UnitedAgainstCorruption.