On international anti-corruption day, Ban urges governments, civil society to fight disease

Marking International Anti-Corruption Day celebrated annually on December 9th, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday urged Governments, the private sector and civil society to take a collective stand against corruption which slows economic growth. In a message marking the occasion, Ban said "this complex social, political and economic disease affects all countries. To achieve an equitable, inclusive and more prosperous future for all, we must foster a culture of integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance." Corruption, he insists, "suppresses economic growth by driving up costs, and undermines the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, exacerbates poverty and increases inequality by diverting funds from health care, education and other essential services." He said "good governance is critical for sustainable development, and vital in combating organized crime," arguing that every link in the trafficking chain is "vulnerable to corruption, from the bribes paid to corrupt officials by dealers in arms and drugs to licenses used to facilitate the illicit trade in natural resources." He also said that corruption is also rife in the world of sports and business, adding that guidelines are being developed to help business fight corruption in sport sponsorship and hospitality. He conceded that the UN faces multifaceted corruption risks that can undermine the Organisation's efforts to advance development and peace, stressing that "we have developed a robust system of internal controls and continue to remain vigilant and work hard to set an example of integrity." The UN Convention against Corruption, adopted 10 years ago and ratified by at least 171 of the UN's 193 Member States, is the paramount global framework for preventing and combating corruption.