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Our work on the G20 Filed under - Intergovernmental bodies What’s at stake? Home to two-thirds of the world’s population, the Group of 20 (G20) countries are responsible for 80 per cent of world trade and more than 85 per cent of the world economy. Tackling corruption is crucial to the G20’s goal of generating inclusive growth and establishing a cleaner, safer, more sustainable economic framework. Opacity in the global financial system hides corrupt and criminal acts, such as asset flight, bribery and money laundering. The cross-border nature of the problem requires global solutions, ones that the G20 must lead on. Corruption is a severe impediment to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction and can threaten financial stability and the economy as a whole.”
– St Petersburg G20 Declaration, 6 September 2013 In 2010 the G20 adopted its first anti-corruption action plan, opening a huge opportunity to increase financial integrity across international markets. A second action plan was agreed in 2012 for the period 2013-2014 and a potential successor is currently under discussion. What we’re doing about it Drawing on an international network with presence in 19 of the G20 members (including a liaison office at the European Union), Transparency International is actively advocating for the G20 to show global leadership in tackling corruption by establishing a cleaner and more rigorous financial system. This includes calling for more stringent enforcement of foreign bribery and anti-money laundering regulations, more transparent reporting from companies and governments, faster return of stolen assets, and making it harder for individuals to enjoy the proceeds of crime and corruption. The UN Convention against Corruption – which has not yet been ratified by two of the G20 members (Germany and Japan) provides the legal framework for our work. Our advocacy includes: - Constructive national and international engagement with the G20 governments on our policy recommendations through public letters and meetings with relevant G20 representatives
- Targeted media and press work to communicate what is at stake to citizens
- Collaboration with the business sector as well as other civil society organisations to broaden our impact.
Who’s involved We implement our G20 advocacy strategies through Transparency International’s representation in 19 of the G20 members. In 2012, our Chair Huguette Labelle was invited by the Mexican G20 Presidency to join the Business 20 (B20) Anti-Corruption Task Force as the only civil society member. The invitation was extended again in 2013 under the Russian Presidency and most recently, Ms. Labelle has been invited as a member of the B20 Expert Group on corruption under the 2014 Australian Presidency. The B20 is organised in various thematic task forces which come up with recommendations to the G20 leaders relevant for the business sector. In 2013 the Civil 20 (C20) was established by the Russian presidency as the main platform for civil society organisations to access G20 decision-making. Transparency International co-chaired the C20 Anti-Corruption Working Group. The Civil 20 format was continued under the Australia presidency and our Australian chapter co-chairs the C20 Governance group. We are also a member of the Financial Transparency Coalition – a coalition of NGOs, government representatives and academics which advocates for measures to prevent illicit financial flows. Our approach Public scrutiny and pressure is needed to make progress on the individual and collective commitments G20 members have made in the G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2013-2014. Transparency International makes recommendations and provides research and information on key priorities to the Anti-Corruption Working Group, the G20 Sherpas and through the finance track. In 2012 we advocated for the adoption of a new Action Plan and are doing so again in 2014. We are also closely involved in the work of the Civil 20 and Business 20 processes. Key successes - In line with commitments in the G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan, India and Saudi Arabia have now ratified UNCAC. Twelve of 13 G20 members which have undergone reviews have allowed or agreed to country visits for their UNCAC reviews. Eleven of 13 are engaging with civil society on their UNCAC reviews. The UK, France and South Africa have publicly published their UNCAC reviews in full.
- The Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) has become more vocally supported by leaders. The US, UK and France are seeking candidacy status for the new EITI standard by 2014. Germany commits to pilot EITI.
- In line with commitments, non-OECD countries China, India, Indonesia and Russia have begun to work with the OECD Working Group on Bribery on this issue – and on anti-corruption more generally – with Russia fully acceding to the OECD convention in April 2012. As far as non-signatories to the OECD convention are concerned, China amended its criminal code in 2011 to make the bribery of foreign officials an offence, and India has begun the process of passing such legislation.
- Several G20 countries have adopted or strengthened whistleblower legislation in line with commitments in the G20 Action Plan and the G20 Guiding Principles on Whistleblowing Legislation.
- We called on G20 countries to provide for automatic exchange of financial information and overcome barriers to legal assistance. A major success of the 2013 G20 Summit was the formal adoption of the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) plan, which is a step towards enhanced tax transparency.
Timeline and results - 2008: The G20 was convened at heads of state level for the first time by then US President George W. Bush to address the global financial crisis. Transparency International constructively engaged with the G20 leaders to emphasise the lack of transparency, accountability and integrity by public and private actors which contributed to the global crisis.
- 2010: We were rewarded with the publication of the G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan at the Seoul G20 Summit in which the G20 committed to lead by example in achieving individual and collective progress on their anti-corruption commitments by 2012. The nine-point agenda, which drew directly on many of our previous recommendations, called on members to facilitate the recovery of stolen assets, curb the flow of illicit funds into G20 markets and protect whistleblowers.
- 2012: We were invited by the Mexican G20 Presidency to join the B20 Task Force on Improving Transparency and Anti-Corruption, which works closely with the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, as the only civil society representative. We successfully advocated for an extension of the Anti-Corruption Working Group’s mandate and the adoption of a second Action Plan (G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2013-2014).
- 2013: Civil society organisations were formally integrated into the G20 process through the creation of the Civil 20 (C20), which was long advocated by Transparency International. We co-chaired the C20 Anti-Corruption Working Group and were invited to take part in the B20 Task Force on Corruption and Transparency.
- 2014: Transparency International Australia co-chairs the Civil 20 Governance group. Transparency International Chair Huguette Labelle is a member of the Business 20 (B20) Expert Group on Anti-Corruption.
More…Contact us Maggie Murphy
Global Outreach, Advocacy and Campaigns Coordinator
mmurphy@transparency.org
List of communications to the G20 10 November 2014: Open letter to G20 leaders: Stop corruption and close loopholes in the financial system to help the world’s poorest May 2014 G20 position papers: Asset recovery | Beneficial ownership | Denial of entry | Natural resources | Whistleblower legislation 1 April 2014: Letter to G20 Ministers of Finance and Governors of Central Banks ahead of April 2014 meeting (Sample from Australia) September 2013: Transparency International Ideal Communique to G20 August 2013: C20 Position Paper (Five pager) 15 May 2013: C20 Position Paper (One pager) 8 April 2013: Letter to the Ministers of Finance and Central Banks Governors ahead of meeting in Washington, D.C. 31 July 2012: Transparency International Submission to the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, suggesting priorities for its Action Plan 2013-2014 3 April 2012: Letter to the Ministers of Finance and Governors of Central Banks meeting in Washington D.C. on April 20, 2012 in the forum of the International Monetary and Financial Committee 8 February 2012: Civil Society Submission to the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group 13 October 2011: Transparency International, CDM Watch and ETC Letter to Jacob Zuma, G20 on occasion of COP17 in Durban 25 August 2011: Joint Civil Society Submission to the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (Carta en español) August 2011: Transparency International’s recommended criteria for G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan Progress Report 20 May 2011: Letter to Nicolas Sarkozy, G20 11 February 2011: Joint Civil Society Submission to the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group 3 January 2011: Letter to G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group 26 August 2010: Letter to Stephen Harper and Lee Myung-bak, G20 August 2010: Recommendations to the G20 (updated) 19 May 2010: Letter to Stephen Harper and Lee Myung-bak, G20 February 2010: Recommendations to the G20
G20 › Topics › Anti-corruption › Publications & Documents
Anti-Corruption Ethics and Compliance Handbook for BusinessDeveloped by companies, for companies, with assistance from the OECD, UNODC, and World Bank, this Handbook serves as a useful, practical tool for companies seeking compliance advice in one, easy-to-reference publication. It brings together the major business guidance instruments for companies and illustrates them using real-life, anonymised case studies provided by companies. 6-September-2013 English, PDF, 317kb Issues paper on corruption and economic growthIn the context of the G20 efforts to fight corruption, the G20 Anti-corruption Working Group has asked the OECD to lead the work examining the impact of corrupt practices and anti-corruption policies on economic growth and development, resulting in this Issues Paper to be presented to the G20 Leaders at the St. Petersburg Summit in September. Related Documents New guidelines to Multinational Enterprises and the OECD Anti-bribery Convention The economic crisis that started in 2007 gave rise to a crisis of legitimacy and a widespread collapse of trust in markets, in firms, and in the governance of our economies. We need to build up that trust again and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention are essential tools for fighting bribery and promoting responsible corporate behaviour. Beating the crisis: the role of the OECD and G20Can I afford to heat my home this winter? Find a job and feed my family? Get treatment if I am sick? Will there be a decent education for my children, and an adequate pension for me? These questions affect us all, but in an interdependent globalised world, who is responsible for solving them? CleanGovBiz - A new push on corruptionThe OECD's CleanGovBiz Initiative supports governments, business and civil society in their efforts to build integrity and fight corruption across the board.
In the context of the G20 efforts to fight corruption, the G20 Anti-corruption Working Group has asked the OECD to lead the work examining the impact of corrupt practices and anti-corruption policies on economic growth and development, resulting in this Issues Paper to be presented to the G20 Leaders at the St. Petersburg Summit in September.
Data and research on fighting corruption in the public sector including lobbying, ethics, public sector integrity reviews, Procurement Toolbox, OECD Guidelines and Principles on Corruption.
Financial crime is one of the greatest threats to the economic and social well‑being of people living in all countries. Illicit financial activities such as tax evasion, corruption, terrorist financing, computer fraud, money laundering and other financial crimes are a global problem demanding a global response.
11 June 2014 - Rome, Italy
Jointly organised by Italian Co-Chair of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group and the OECD, this conference builds on the conclusions of the G20 and B20 discussions for the past three years, implementing the G20 priority for closer co-operation between governments and the private sector. Drawing on priorities laid out in the 2013-2014 G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan and B20 Recommendations to Governments, participants discussed progress in advancing the key elements of the global anti-corruption agenda and innovative solutions to address the latest challenges facing countries, business and civil society. Sessions include: - Digging corruption out of the natural resources sectors: What new avenues for joint efforts?
- Sweeteners in international contracts: Are "offsets" the new corruption threat?
- Mechanisms to recognise companies’ compliance efforts: Do they work and can they be applied in all jurisdictions?
- Tackling facilitation payments and solicitation: Can you say “no”?
A special session focused on the foreign bribery agenda of the G20 and celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. Speakers included:
Andrea Orlando, Minister of Justice, Italy Gabriela Ramos, Chief of Staff and Sherpa to the G20, OECD Emma Marcegaglia, President, ENI Drago Kos, Chair of the OECD Working Group on Bribery Phil Edmands, Managing Director, Rio Tinto, Australia Raffaele Cantone, President of the Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority for Evaluation and Transparency of Public Administrations MEETING AND BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
Summary and Conclusions Final Agenda G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan for 2013-2014
CONTACT Enquiries about the conference should be addressed to lynn.robertson@oecd.org DOCUMENTS AND LINKS B20 Task Force Recommendations, Russia, 2013 (PDF) Third G20/OECD High-Level Anti-Corruption Conference for G20 Governments and Business B20 Task Force Recommendations, Los Cabos, 2012 (PDF) Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions Fighting corruption in the public sector at the OECD OECD Declaration on Propriety, Integrity and Transparency in the Conduct of International Business and Finance G20 Australian Presidency website UN Convention against Corruption More about the OECD and the G20 OECD's CleanGovBiz Initiative ANTI-CORRUPTION TOOLS FOR BUSINESS
Anti-Corruption Ethics and Compliance Handbook for Business APEC Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct for Business Bali Business Declaration Business Principles for Countering Bribery ICC Rules of Conduct to Combat Extortion and Bribery OECD Good Practice Guidance on Internal Controls, Ethics and Compliance OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas OECD Corporate Governance Principles PACI Principles for Countering Bribery UN Global Compact Principle 10 against Corruption UN Global Compact-Transparency International Reporting Guidance on the 10th Principle against Corruption
CIFOR Counters Misconceptions on Artisanal Logging in DRC 17 June 2014: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) released the results of a three-year long study, which concludes that, if well managed, artisanal logging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could sustain thousands of livelihoods and contribute to sustainable forest management (SFM). read more » Event: First African Water Integrity Learning Summit The First African Water Integrity Learning Summit will take place under the theme 'Accelerating Towards a Water Secure World'. The event welcomes all interested stakeholders to share practical insights on addressing corruption and building relationships in Africa's water sector. The summit marks the conclusion of a three-year regional integrity training program in Sub-Saharan Africa and will provide opportunities to: engage with colleagues; participate in panel discussions; gain career enhancing knowledge; and advance integrity practices. The event is hosted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Water Governance Facility, the Water Integrity Network, UNDP/Cap-Net, WaterNet and the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). read more » UN-REDD, Kenya Assess REDD+ Corruption Risk 14 January 2014: The UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (UN-REDD) has reported that Kenya's Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources has launched 'A Corruption Risk Assessment for REDD+ in Kenya.' The study was conducted by the Anti-Corruption Resource Centre (U4) with the support of the UN-REDD Programme with engagement of Kenya's Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission. read more » UN-REDD Explores Transparency and Accountability in REDD+ 6 January 2014: The UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (UN-REDD) released a report on 'Sharing National Experiences in Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity for REDD+.' The publication features examples from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Nepal and the Philippines. read more » Africa Week Recognizes Development, Governance Progress 25 October 2013: The UN highlighted progress in implementing the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), an African-led development and growth initiative, and in monitoring governance through the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), during events and celebrations for the 2013 'Africa Week.' Participants also discussed ways to reflect African priorities in the post-2015 development agenda. Africa Week took place from 21-25 October 2013, in New York, US. read more » Conference on Forest Governance in Africa Focuses on VPAs 5 June 2013: The Congo Basin Forest Partnership and the Commission des Forets d'Afrique Centrale (COMIFAC) have released the final report of the 6th Forum on Forest Governance in Africa. The report discusses Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), the impacts of agricultural expansion and corruption in the forestry industry. read more » ITTO TTM Reports on Reduced Timber Demand in the EU 1 June 2013: The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) has launched the 16-31 May issue of the Tropical Timber Market (TTM) Report. The report highlights stories on slumping timber demand in the European Union (EU) leading to a stall of the planned expansion of the forestry industry in West Africa. In contrast, the report states that exports of pine sawnwood from Brazil have increased, while in China emphasis within timber trade has shifted to short-term agreements to avoid currency volatility. read more »
FAO and Partners Release Review of Illegal Hunting and Bushmeat Trade in Africa 12 October 2012: Underscoring key drivers and impacts of the bushmeat trade, as well as solutions to address the problem, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and international partners have released a review of bushmeat in African savannas, which it says has not received the attention it deserves. The report highlights the impact of the issue on large carnivore populations in Southern and East Africa, in particular. read more » Rio Conventions Pavilion Convenes for City Day 22 June 2012: The Rio Conventions Pavilion at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) convened for City Day, on 22 June 2012. The event included three panel events on: local leadership driving global change; cities spurring change - tools and techniques for integrated urban planning; and a sustainable future for our children - the FRUSATO movement. A closing session addressed lessons learned and next steps following Rio+20. read more » UN-REDD Newsletter Focuses on Governance, Tenure and Corruption 23 May 2012: The May issue of the UN-REDD Programme Newsletter contains several articles on governance, tenure and anti-corruption measures related to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+). read more » UN-REDD Newsletter Highlights Activities in Mongolia and Republic of Congo 22 September 2011: The UN-REDD Programme has released the September issue of its Newsletter, reporting on national REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, as well as conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks) activities in Mongolia and the Republic of Congo, as well as regional news from the Latin America and Caribbean, African and Asian regions. read more » Fourth UN LDC Conference Adopts Istanbul Programme of Action 13 May 2011: Over 7,000 participants, including Heads of State and government, international organizations' representatives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), gathered in Istanbul, Turkey, to attend the Fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC IV) from 9-13 May 2011. The Conference aimed to assess the results of the 10-year Brussels Action Plan for the LDCs, which was adopted in 2001, and to agree on new measures and strategies for the sustainable development of LDCs into the next decade. read more »
ADF 9 Recommends Policies to Address Poverty, Attract Financing 16 October 2014: The UN Economic Commission for Africa's (ECA) Ninth African Development Forum (ADF IX) agreed the Marrakech Consensus, which outlines recommendations on fiscal policies and regulatory frameworks to address poverty and attract and deploy capital. The Forum, which convened under the theme ‘Innovative Financing for Africa's Transformation,' focused on: domestic resource mobilization, including for Africa's structural transformation; illicit financial flows (IFFs), private equity, partnerships and climate financing for Africa's adaptation and mitigation needs. read more » First US-Africa Summit Addresses Energy, Food Security 6 August 2014: The US-Africa Summit, which brought together over 50 Heads of State from Africa and US President Barack Obama, addressed, inter alia: promoting inclusive sustainable development; expanding trade and investment ties; engaging young African leaders; and expanding cooperation on peace and security. The Summit also featured sessions on resilience and food security in a changing climate, and combatting wildlife trafficking. read more » Panel Discusses Illicit Financial Flows from Africa during US Visit 6 February 2013: Members of the UN High Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa visited the US to meet with representatives of the US Government, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the UN, the private sector and others to discuss illicit financial flows. Panel members reported on their mandate, activities and initial findings during a press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, US, on 6 February 2014. read more » High-level Panel Discusses Illicit Financial Flows from Africa December 2013: The Sixth Meeting of the High-level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa discussed the drivers and dynamics of illicit financial flows, their impact on development, and instruments and institutional settings to address these outflows. The panel, which has now completed consultations with the five sub-regions, is expected to produce a comprehensive report with recommendations in March 2014. read more » African Forum on Financing for Development Considers Accessing Climate Finance 20 May 2011: The African Forum on Financing for Development, organized by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in collaboration with its development partners, focused on reviewing progress, examining key thematic issues relating to development finance in Africa, and proposing the way forward on issues relating to development finance for Africa. read more »
It is time for criminal prosecutions, boycotts, even to leave Fifa altogether. This must not happen againLater this week, the two lawyers at odds over Fifa’s future are expected to meet to try to resolve their differences.
Poor people in underdeveloped countries suffer from endless petty corruption.
A new index from TRACE International and RAND Corp. is designed to help global companies and their general counsel better gauge the risk of violating corrupt...
Reform existing system before 2016 appointment or world will not get strong general secretary it needs, organisation warned Continue reading...
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By David McNair, the ONE CampaignAs the G20 leaders meet in Australia to discuss economic growth, the elephant in the room is corruption. The uncomfortable truth is that at least a trillion dollars are syphoned from developing countries every year as a result of tax evasion, money laundering, bribery and other forms of financial crime. Much of this money flows through anonymous companies registered G20 countries. But while campaigners and governments have fought hard to forge consensus among G20 leaders on ensuring that these secret firms that facilitate corruption are addressed, last minute politics between China and other G20 members threatens progress. Having negotiated a set of principles on beneficial ownership disclosure, G20 Sherpas were reportedly taken by surprise at the eleventh hour when China expressed concern about the principles. This concern runs counter to China’s political commitments to address domestic corruption. The incentive for G20 governments to make progress on this issue lies in their own back yards. Global Witness, an anti-corruption watchdog, has highlighted numerous examples of anonymous firms facilitating corruption, enabling the free flow of terrorist financing and sanctions breaking. There are also external incentives for G20 leaders to get their own houses in order; they will soon be reviewed by the Financial Action Task Force, a Paris based inter-governmental body that pushes for the implementation of policies to address money laundering and terrorist financing. Today, also, business leaders have publicly called for the issue of shell companies to be addressed, highlighting how exposing the problem is good for business – and the world. The impact of addressing this issue could be transformative for millions of people living in poverty. The ONE Campaign estimates that if countries were to recover losses to Illicit Financial Flows, and if the revenues collected on the money were invested in health systems in the countries that need it most, the money could save as many as 3.6m lives each year. A second issue that hangs in the balance is transparency for the extractives sector. A third of the world’s poorest people live in resource rich countries. But all too often these resources fuel corruption and conflict rather than find their way to the poorest. In Uganda, the energy ministry and Tullow Oil both estimate that the current reserves alone could generate over $2bn in annual revenue for more than 20 years. The cumulative amount earned each year from oil would exceed the funding Uganda currently receives in development assistance, which is around $1.7bn a year. Transparency could help fuel a revolution in the way these resources are managed by allowing journalists to track where these resources are going and ask questions when they go missing. But for this to happen, we need oil companies registered in the World’s stock exchanges to disclose what they pay to governments. While the EU, the US, Canada and Norway have agreed to legislation forcing transparency on the companies that extract these resources, the Australian government is playing catch-up on this agenda. Yet addressing corruption could also help fulfil Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s objective of increasing global economic growth by 2 per cent. Academic evidence uncovered by ONE suggests that reducing corruption by 1 percentage point could increase GDP by as much as 0.6 per cent. The stakes are high, but addressing the problem relies on smart diplomacy by the Australian Premier. We need G20 leaders to show the leadership necessary to make these low cost, common sense decisions that could unlock billions for the world’s poorest people. David McNair is Director of Transparency and Accountability at The ONE Campaign. A new video, narrated by Irish actor, Colin Farrell, outlines the problem. The ONE Campaign’s Trillion Dollar Scandal campaign is calling on G20 leaders to take action to address corruption.
Co-organised by the French Presidency of the G20 and the OECD, this conference focused on public-private co-operation in implementing the G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan, anti-corruption compliance, corruption in public procurement, sector-specific initiatives and commercial practices most exposed to corruption
G20 › Topics › Anti-corruption The G20 have committed to the implementation of international legislative frameworks, the adoption of measures in preventing and combating corruption, the strengthening of international co-operation, and a stronger engagement with the private sector. The OECD actively supports this work. CORRUPTION AND GROWTH The G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group asked the OECD to prepare a study on the impact of corruption on economic growth as part of the Russian Presidency's focus on growth. This Issues Paper, presented to Leaders in St Petersburg, investigates the relationship between corruption -- and anticorruption measures -- and economic performance. By analysing the channels through which corruption affects economic performance, this Paper offers a better understanding of the complex factors hampering the economic potential of countries affected by corruption.
WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION Whistleblower protection has been identified by the G20 as an essential tool to encourage the reporting of misconduct, fraud and corruption. The OECD elaborated a complete study on G20 whistleblowers protection frameworks (pdf), as well as a related compendium of best practices and guiding principles for legislation, which was supported by the G20 AWG in the First Monitoring Report that Leaders adopted in Cannes, November 2011. INTEGRITY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
The G20 relies on the OECD’s expertise in public sector integrity, including through its Integrity Reviews, to support its agenda on integrity of public officials through financial disclosure and on integrity in public procurement. The OECD, together with the World Bank, presented several concept notes which led to the adoption by the G20 of High-Level Principles on Financial Disclosure. DIALOGUE BETWEEN BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENTS Engagement with the private sector in the fight against corruption has been a key priority of the G20 since the Seoul Summit.
The OECD has co-organised four high level conferences on anti-corruption. The most recent was held on 11 June in Rome, Italy. The conference brought together high-level government, business and civil society representatives to address the latest challenges facing countries, business and civil society. Sessions included: - Digging corruption out of the natural resources sectors: What new avenues for joint efforts?
- Sweeteners in international contracts: Are "offsets" the new corruption threat?
- Mechanisms to recognise companies’ compliance efforts: Do they work and can they be applied in all jurisdictions?
- Tackling facilitation payments and solicitation: Can you say “no”?
The three previous editions of the conference were held in Paris (2011, 2013) and Puerto Vallarta 2012. The OECD has a close relationship with the B20 Task Force on Anti-corruption and has regularly provided contributions to its work. FOREIGN BRIBERY
The OECD has actively supported G20 countries in implementing their commitment on foreign bribery under the Seoul and 2013-2014 Action Plans. The Organisation is engaged with the G20 countries that are not Parties to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention (China, India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia), including through the organisation of technical seminars and high-level events on foreign bribery.
China, India and Indonesia have been attending the meetings of the OECD WGB on a regular basis as ad hoc participants. Building on the OECD’s expertise and countries’ experience in the monitoring of the Convention, and at the request of the G20, the OECD prepared guiding principles on solicitation and on enforcement of foreign bribery rules.
Moreover, effective and efficient Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) is essential in the investigation and prosecution of transnational corruption cases, and the recovery of assets derived from such criminal conduct. The G20 asked the OECD and UNODC to report on the High-Level Principles on Mutual Legal Assistance (pdf) for the St Petersburg Summit. OECD CONTRIBUTIONS TO G20
This report describes the functions of point of sales systems and the specific areas of risk to tax administrations. It sets out in detail the electronic sales suppression techniques that have been uncovered and shows how such methods can be detected by tax auditors and investigators.
At the second international Forum on Tax and Crime in Rome, the OECD Capacity Building Programme for Tax Crime Investigators was launched to help countries develop the skills of criminal investigators through intensive training courses on the latest investigative techniques.
Kenya Launches National Task Force on Anti-corruption for REDD+ 27 November 2014: As part of its REDD+ readiness process, the Government of Kenya and partners have launched a National Task Force on Anti-corruption for REDD+. The Task Force aims to identify how REDD+ can be more transparent and accountable and to support the implementation of social safeguards. read more » UN, Development Bank Leaders Launch Horn of Africa Initiative on High-Level Visit 27 October 2014: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced a US$8 billion initiative to reduce poverty, boost economic growth and promote business activity across the Horn of Africa, during a visit to the region with global and regional leaders. The World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDBG) and EU also made pledges to the Horn of Africa Initiative, which aims to enhance the regions's economic development and its food and water security, among other aims. read more » ADF 9 Recommends Policies to Address Poverty, Attract Financing 16 October 2014: The UN Economic Commission for Africa's (ECA) Ninth African Development Forum (ADF IX) agreed the Marrakech Consensus, which outlines recommendations on fiscal policies and regulatory frameworks to address poverty and attract and deploy capital. The Forum, which convened under the theme ‘Innovative Financing for Africa's Transformation,' focused on: domestic resource mobilization, including for Africa's structural transformation; illicit financial flows (IFFs), private equity, partnerships and climate financing for Africa's adaptation and mitigation needs. read more » OECD Development Co-operation Report Assesses Financing for Sustainable Development 7 October 2014: “There are many sources of financing available to eradicate poverty and spur sustainable growth,” argues the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s Development Co-operation Report 2014. The yearly report provides ideas and recommendations on how to mobilize necessary resources to tackle the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). read more » 69th UN General Debate Opens, Addressing Post-2015 Agenda, Climate Change 24 September 2014: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) opened its 69th General Debate on 24 September 2014, at UN Headquarters in New York, US. Many Heads of State and Government addressed the post-2015 development agenda, including its architecture and means of implementation (MOI). Many applauded UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's UN Climate Summit the day before, with several calling for future actions, including a legally binding agreement on climate change. Speakers also addressed strengthening international security, reforming the UN and tackling Ebola. read more » Civil Society Continues to Issue Reactions to Proposed SDGs August 2014: In reaction to the 17 proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identified by the Open Working Group (OWG) on SDGs, civil society organizations (CSOs) have issued articles and positions outlining their ideas for consideration during the next steps in defining the post-2015 development agenda. read more » UNDP and Kenya Launch Project to Halt Elephant Poaching 25 June 2014: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the first lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta, launched a wildlife conservancy programme to address poaching in Amboseli, an 8,000 square-kilometer natural reserve spanning the border between Kenya and Tanzania. The project targets communities on the margins of the national park, aiming to provide them with alternatives to killing wildlife. read more »
UNGA Briefed on Report of High-level Panel 30 May 2013: The UN High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda (HLP) briefed UN Member States on the process and substance of the Panel's report, which is titled 'A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies Through Sustainable Development.' The report had been submitted to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon earlier in the day. read more » Event: 2013 G20 Leaders Summit The Russian Federation has set as the objective of its 2013 Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20): developing a set of measures aimed at boosting sustainable, inclusive and balanced growth and jobs creation around the world. The G20 will look at eight areas in particular in 2013: framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth; jobs and employment; international financial architecture reform; strengthening financial regulation; energy sustainability; development for all; enhancing multilateral trade; and fighting corruption. The G20 brings together finance ministers and central bank governors from 19 countries - Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK and the US - plus the EU. The G20 Leaders Summit in September 2013 is preceded by a series of outreach events organized in five streams: think tanks; business; labour; civil society and youth. read more » UN-REDD Newsletter Reports on Solomon Islands REDD+ Taskforce 28 March 2013: The UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD) has released the February-March edition of its newsletter, highlighting activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Indonesia, Pakistan, Panama, Solomon Islands and Tanzania. read more » Senegal Forum Outcome Document Reflects African Priorities for Post-2015 22 December 2012: A two-day forum on African priorities for the post-2015 development agenda has resulted in an Outcome Document that reflects those priorities and lists development enablers that participants identified as prerequisites for the post-2015 agenda. The forum, held in Dakar, Senegal, was one of several African events to build consensus on a post-2015 vision to be endorsed at the African Union (AU) Summit in May 2013. read more » Africa Youth Conference Adopts Declaration on MDGs, Post-2015 Agenda 4 January 2013: The African Youth Conference on Post-2015 Development Agenda, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 12-16 December 2012, has adopted a Youth Declaration on the Post-2015 Agenda. This Agenda identifies 13 actions for accelerating progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and makes recommendations for the post-2015 development agenda. read more » World Bank Supports Strengthened Social Accountability in Water Services in Kenya December 2012: The Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) of the World Bank and the Kenya Water and Sanitation Services Improvement Project (WASSIP) are working jointly to strength social accountability in water services. The adopted strategy consists in establishing Water Action Groups, and using scorecards and information and communication technologies (ICT), allowing citizens to provide real time feedback. read more » SIWI Newsletter Addresses US Drought, Lake Victoria Basin Management December 2012: The December issue of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) Water Front newsletter highlights, inter alia: the drought affecting the US; SIWI's thematic areas; water cooperation - the theme of 2013 World Water Week; and water integrity and sustainable development in the Lake Victoria basin. read more »
August 2014: In reaction to the 17 proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identified by the Open Working Group (OWG) on SDGs, civil society organizations (CSOs) have issued articles and positions outlining their ideas for consideration during the next steps in defining the post-2015 development agenda.The UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS) has begun compiling civil society responses on a Google documents page. The open-source tracking system includes civil society articles and statements on the: individual goals; Zero Draft; and Revision 1 of the Zero Draft; and the Outcome Document. It currently features 19 responses on the outcome document from UN agencies, Major Groups and civil society. A transformative forest module in the post-2015 agenda could help illustrate the diversity of targets needed to create an enabling environment that would result in greater sustainable development outcomes for forests, landscapes and livelihoods, according to an International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) discussion paper. The paper, titled ‘SD goals from a forest perspective: Transformative, universal and integrated?,' highlights issues that the proposed goals and targets must address, including: integrated land use planning; policy coherence relating to tradeoffs for forests, trees and livelihoods among Goals 8, 9 and 10; and explicit reference to existing biodiversity, climate change and forest governance frameworks, including the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) in indicators and financing modalities. In addition, IIED has launched a two-part consultation to give people an opportunity to voice their opinions on priorities for the SDGs from a forests perspective, including a survey and an online discussion game. According to a policy brief published by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), African negotiators should focus on five specific goals related to: desertification, land degradation, soil erosion, flooding and drought; diversification, industrialization and value addition; the services sector; domestic resource mobilization; and innovative financing. The brief compares the Common African Position (CAP) with goals developed by CIGI, the Korean Development Institute (KDI) and other UN reports, emphasizing that selecting goals involves trade-offs and proposing four filters that African negotiators can apply to select priority goals. The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) released a revised working draft report of its ‘Indicators and a monitoring framework for SDGs: Launching a data revolution for the SDGs.' The draft: proposes an indicator framework for discussion, including how to collect needed data; outlines SDG monitoring principles; and identifies gaps that must be addressed to implement the SDGs on their first day. To develop an SDG monitoring framework by 2016, the report urges filling indicator gaps, moving towards annual reporting, determining financing needs and mechanisms and mobilizing resources and identifying complementary metrics. WaterAid welcomes, inter alia: the OWG Outcome Document's reaffirmation of the importance of human rights, including the human rights to water; the inclusion of a dedicated goal on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); and wording on ensuring inequalities in access are progressively eliminated. WaterAid describes the Outcome Document as "a signal that the global water and sanitation crisis is firmly on the UN's agenda.” The World Federation of UN Associations (WFUNA) welcomes the inclusion of a goal on peaceful societies as a key element in achieving sustainable development. WFUNA stresses that violence and conflict hinder development while underlining that drivers of conflict, violence and insecurity can be traced to inequitable development, noting that no country in an area affected by conflict will achieve a single Millennium Development Goal (MDG). WFUNA proposes thirteen targets on achieving peaceful societies, freedom from violence and good governance, including targets related to: capacity to mediate and reconcile tensions and disputes within society; access, participation and representation in decision-making; bribery and corruption; and accountability and transparency. In addition to overall reactions to the OWG Outcome Document and arguments for specific targets, a few groups have emphasized the need to examine how to align the UN system and enhance its accountability and transparency. Articles by the Future UN Development System, for instance, address how to make the UN system more transparent and accountable as well as recent changes to the UN Development Program (UNDP). [UN-NGLS Document][SD goals from a forest perspective: Transformative, universal and integrated?] [IIED Survey] [IIED Forestry Game] [CIGI Policy Brief][SDSN Draft Report] [WaterAid Reaction] [WaterAid Press Release] [WFUNA Position] [Future UN Article 1][Future UN Article 2] [IISD RS story on SDSN]
read more: http://africasd.iisd.org/news/civil-society-continues-to-issue-reactions-to-proposed-sdgs/
Questions raised about Britain’s relationship with Somalia as UN alleges misappropriation of funds and exploitation of loopholes in an arms embargoWith humanitarian agencies warning of another hunger crisis in Somalia, questions are being raised...
Over the past 15 years, those working in aid have changed the way they talk about corruption.
SINGAPORE, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Wison Engineering Services CoLtd, a major PetroChina supplier, said on Wednesday abribery charge had been filed against the company and itschairman Hua Bangsong following...
Via @MikeKenealy
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