International Anti-Corruption Day

International Anti-Corruption Day History

International Anti-Corruption Day aims to raise awareness about corruption's negative impacts and promote global efforts to combat this widespread issue. It also encourages people worldwide to participate in the fight against corruption and promotes transparency, accountability, and integrity in all aspects of society. This day highlights the importance of international cooperation and the need for preventive measures to tackle corruption at all levels, including in the public and private sectors and civil society.

International Anti-Corruption Day was first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003, following the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. This global event is relevant to Australians as corruption can have far-reaching consequences on the country's economy, social fabric, and overall development. Australia has been a party to this convention since 2005. It has implemented several anti-corruption initiatives, including the establishment of the Australian Federal Police's Fraud and Anti-Corruption Centre in 2014 and the ongoing development of a National Anti-Corruption Plan.

To observe International Anti-Corruption Day in Australia, various government agencies, civil society organisations, and businesses participate in campaigns, seminars, workshops, and public events to raise awareness about the harmful effects of corruption and share best practices to combat it. These events provide opportunities for different sectors to exchange ideas and engage in collaborative action. International Anti-Corruption Day takes place every year on the 9th of December, serving as a valuable opportunity for Australians to join together in preventing and addressing the issue of corruption in the country and worldwide.

Facts about International Anti-Corruption Day

• The United Nations estimates that every year, $1 trillion is paid in bribes worldwide while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption.
• According to the World Economic Forum, corruption increases the cost of doing business by up to 10% on average.
• The private sector plays a critical role preventing and combating corruption as companies can implement high standards of integrity in their business practices.
• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduced ISO 37001, an international standard for anti-bribery management systems which guides organizations to prevent, detect, and respond to bribery. In 2017, the Australian government participated in a pilot program of ISO 37001 certification, demonstrating its commitment to adhering to international standards in the fight against corruption.
• In 2020, Australia ranked 11th out of 180 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating that it has a relatively low level of perceived corruption compared to other countries.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Anti-Corruption Day

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Spend time reading and researching the Panama Papers problems which exposed corruption of high-standing politicians and companies worldwide.
• Raise awareness on social media by using the hashtags #BreaktheChain, #InternationalAnti-CorruptionDay and #EndCorruption.
• Contribute to or participate in fundraisers or charity events that support local and international anti-corruption initiatives, such as those working towards legal reforms or strengthening anti-corruption institutions.
• Partner with police departments or anti-corruption commissions to conduct awareness campaigns, training sessions, or public dialogues on reporting corrupt practices.