Briefing Sessions – Leading the Fight Against Corruption: UNGASS and Beyond

Corruption is a key obstacle to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the realization of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. The misuse of funds, the lack of transparency in decision-making, and the impunity that usually accompanies corruption weakens the legitimacy of institutions and erodes the social contract between citizens and their leaders. The COVID-19 pandemic poses additional challenges, as the urgent need to respond quickly to the health, economic and social challenges opens up opportunities for corruption.

Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) Against Corruption in June, Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies and the Open Government Partnership hosted a two-day briefing to assess current progress in the fight against corruption, explore key policy issues that require collective action, and identify upcoming opportunities to demonstrate political leadership, promote increased commitments by UN Member States, and ensure country-level action on anti-corruption.

Watch the recordings here.

Day 1: Achieving Progress on Anti-Corruption: Lessons Learned
Exchange of national experiences and ambitions for battling corruption in specific areas including beneficial ownership, open contracting, asset recovery, and tax evasion and other illicit financial flows, among other topics.

Speakers included:

• H.E. Alhaji Abubakar, Registrar-General/CEO, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Government of Nigeria
• Mr. Thom Townsend, Executive Director, Open Ownership
• H.E. Beatriz Elena Londoño Patiño, Secretary General of Transparency, Colombia
• Mr. Gavin Hayman, Executive Director, Open Contracting Partnership
• Ms. Gillian Dell, Head of Conventions Programme, Transparency International
• Ms. Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary, ECLAC
• Mr. Volodymyr Pavlenko, Deputy Head, Asset Recovery and Management Agency, Ukraine

Day 2: Anti-Corruption Ambitions: 2021 Opportunities
An overview of the preparations for the first ever Special Session of the General Assembly (UNGASS) against Corruption, and of key milestones in 2021 that present opportunities for mobilizing greater political leadership against corruption.

Speakers included:

• • Mr. Alejandro Álvarez, Director, Rule of Law Unit, Executive Office of the Secretary-General
  • H.E. Hyoung Koo Moon, Ambassador for Anti-Corruption Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea
  • H.E. Alfredo Durante, Coordinator for International Anti-Corruption Activities, Ministry of Foreign Affair and International Cooperation, Italy
  • H.E. Luis Ugarelli, Deputy Permanent Representative of Peru to the United Nations
  • Ms. Brigitte Strobel-Shaw, Chief, Corruption and Economic Crime Branch, UNODC
  • Ms. Tonu Basu, Deputy Director, Thematic Policy Areas, OGP
  • Ms. Helen Darbishire, Executive Director Access Info Europe & Chair of UNCAC Coalition

Sessions also featured remarks by Sanjay Pradhan, OGP CEO, and were moderated by Sarah Cliffe, NYU CIC Director, and Liv Tørres, Pathfinders Director.