The eighth Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Symposium concludes in Hong Kong, south China, May 24, 2024. (ICAC/Handout via Xinhua)
HONG KONG, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The eighth Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Symposium concluded here on Friday, with the "Hong Kong Declaration on Strengthening International Cooperation in Preventing and Fighting Corruption" being adopted.
Announcing the declaration at the closing ceremony of the symposium, Hong Kong's ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming called on international counterparts to stand united in the mission to eradicate corruption and uphold the principles set out in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
The symposium, co-hosted by Hong Kong's ICAC and the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), also served as the 11th Annual Conference of the IAACA which was founded in 2006 with the aim to promote the effective implementation of the UNCAC and foster international anti-corruption collaboration.
Over 170 anti-corruption agencies have joined the IAACA and Woo took over as the president in September 2023.
Woo said that the Hong Kong declaration showcased the collective commitment of the members to combat corruption, calling on international counterparts to leverage the UNCAC to enhance collaboration in the prevention of and fight against corruption. He also emphasized the importance of adopting digital and financial forensics to tackle the increasing complexity of corruption crimes.
"Hong Kong's story in the fight against corruption should give us all confidence and belief in our mission. Let us reaffirm our commitment to the shared vision of a world without corruption. Together, we can chart a new path to combat corruption," Woo said in his closing address.
The Hong Kong declaration also welcomed various international initiatives, including the "Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment" proposed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. It also encouraged member organizations to draw reference to the "Global Policy Guide for Strengthening Youth Engagement in Anti-Corruption Initiatives" jointly developed by the ICAC, the UNODC and the IAACA.
At the plenary session themed "The Power of Youth in Creating a World of Integrity," participants shared how young people could inject new vigor into a global culture of integrity and become integrity leaders as well as anti-corruption champions.
The three-day symposium has attracted over 500 representatives of about 180 anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies from nearly 60 jurisdictions. ■
The eighth Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Symposium concludes in Hong Kong, south China, May 24, 2024. (ICAC/Handout via Xinhua)
