International Anti-Corruption Day: Date, Theme and Significance

Dec 9, is observed as the International Anti-Corruption day since the year 2005.

The United Nations General Assembly on Oct 31, 2003, adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption, & designated Dec 9 International Anti-Corruption Day, in order to raise awareness about corruption & of the role of Convention in fighting & preventing it. This convention came into force in the year 2005, & since then the day is being observed annually.

Anti-Corruption Day: Theme

Theme of the day is, ‘united against corruption.’ The global campaign #UnitedAgainstCorruption focuses on corruption as one of the biggest obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said the United Nations on their website.

In a statement, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “On this International Day, I urge people everywhere to continue to work on innovative solutions to win the battle against corruption & to ensure that precious resources serve the peoples of the world.”

As per the data, given by the United Nations, every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption – a sum equivalent to more than 5 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product.

In developing countries, according to the United Nations Development Programme, funds lost to corruption are estimated at ten times the amount of official development assistance.

Furthermore, the United Nation asserted Corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social & economic development in all societies. No country, region or community is immune.

Source Link