This year, the anti-corruption conference, as the Conference of the States Parties (COSP) is popularly known, marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Convention.
Mr. Guterres said in a video message, urging all Parties to use this opportunity to strengthen international cooperation to prevent, detect, and prosecute corruption – in partnership with civil society and the private sector.
The week-long conference brings together over 2,000 participants from governments, regional and international organizations, experts as well as private sector and civil society representatives to review progress in implementing the Convention.
Delegates will also discuss ways to overcome challenges in implementing.
Also speaking at the opening, Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), hailed the Convention against Corruption as a “monumental” global framework.
“The Convention has become a universal standard and tool that has been the basis for transformative legal and institutional reforms in many countries, as well as international cooperation.
During the session, States Parties will consider draft resolutions and draft decisions, addressing issues such as measurement of corruption, whistle-blower protection, beneficial ownership transparency, and public procurement, among others.