International Anti-Corruption Day 2017 observed globally

9 December: International Anti-Corruption Day

2017 Theme: 'United against corruption for development, peace and security'

The International Anti-Corruption Day was observed across the globe on 9 December 2017 with the theme 'United against corruption for development, peace and security'.

This year United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have developed a joint global campaign, focusing on how corruption affects education, health, justice, democracy, prosperity and development.

The 2017 joint international campaign focuses on corruption as one of the biggest impediments to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Every year USD 1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated USD 2.6 trillion are stolen through corruption, which is a sum equivalent to more than 5 per cent of the global GDP. In developing countries, funds lost to corruption are estimated at 10 times the amount of official development assistance.

Background
On 31 October 2003, the UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested to designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention’s Conference of States Parties.

The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it.  

The Convention entered into force in December 2005.

Source: UN