The 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (CoSP11) is currently being held in Doha, bringing together representatives from the Pacific region to enhance international collaboration and develop a unified strategy to combat corruption. This significant gathering of member states reflects their commitment to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the world’s first legally binding treaty aimed at eradicating corruption.
CoSP11 serves as a vital platform for nations to exchange best practices, confront emerging corruption issues, and strengthen global collective efforts against this pervasive problem. The treaty obligates participating states to criminalize corruption, foster international cooperation, recover misappropriated assets, and improve technical assistance and information sharing. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) plays a crucial role, providing the necessary technical support and training to help countries effectively implement UNCAC.
A key focus of this year’s conference is the elimination of corruption related to environmental crimes, the implications for Small Island Developing States, and ensuring transparency in political financing. In addition to these central themes, CoSP11 features a variety of side events and workshops aimed at fostering dialogue and knowledge-sharing among government representatives, civil society, and private sector stakeholders, thereby enhancing the anti-corruption mission collectively.
The conference is set to conclude with the adoption of a declaration outlining member states’ commitments and action points in the ongoing fight against corruption. On the opening day, Pacific delegates underscored their commitment during a special event titled “Integrity is the Pacific’s crime firewall,” which emphasized the significant threats posed by corruption and criminal networks to Pacific security.
Noteworthy speakers included Taneti Maamau, President of Kiribati, and Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, who both highlighted the paramount importance of integrity within the region. Ofani Eremae, a co-founder and editor from the In-depth Solomons news outlet, emphasized the critical role of investigative journalism in holding governments accountable and fostering a fair society.
In a show of solidarity, Australia’s National Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner, Paul Brereton, stressed the importance of cooperation among anti-corruption agencies across the Pacific, while Marie Cauchois from UNODC reaffirmed that integrity is key to regional security and fundamental for achieving collective goals.
The Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalists Network (PACJN) has been pivotal in empowering journalists to actively engage with UNCAC and related initiatives, leading to increased quality and quantity of anti-corruption reporting in the region. This trend highlights the media’s essential role in uncovering corruption and ensuring accountability.
UNODC has facilitated the participation of Pacific delegates at CoSP11 with support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, reinforcing a collective commitment to combat corruption globally. The outcomes of this conference are anticipated to pave the way for a stronger, more cohesive approach to anti-corruption efforts in the Pacific and beyond, fostering a hopeful atmosphere for future improvements in governance and integrity.