ICAC chief, as President of IAACA, announces Hong Kong Declaration for greater international cooperation
2024-5-24
The 8th ICAC Symposium co-hosted by the ICAC and the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) concluded today (May 24, 2024). In the closing ceremony, ICAC Commissioner Mr Woo Ying-ming, in his capacity of President of the IAACA, announced the adoption of the “Hong Kong Declaration on Strengthening International Cooperation in Preventing and Fighting Corruption” (Hong Kong Declaration), calling 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).
“Hong Kong’s story in the fight against corruption should give us all confidence and belief in our mission. Let us re-affirm our commitment to the shared vision of a world without corruption. Together, we are better. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can chart a new path to combat corruption.” Mr Woo said in his closing address.
The symposium also served as the 11th Annual Conference of the IAACA. Mr Woo noted that the Hong Kong Declaration showcased the collective commitment of the members to combat corruption. He also called 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.
The Hong Kong Declaration also welcomed various international initiatives, including the “Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment” (GRACE Initiative) proposed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It also encouraged member organisations to draw reference to the “Global Policy Guide for Strengthening Youth Engagement in Anti-Corruption Initiatives” (Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Guide) jointly developed by the ICAC, UNODC and the IAACA.
The plenary session this morning was themed “The Power of Youth in Creating a World of Integrity”. For the first time, young people from around the world, including members of YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board to the GRACE Initiative, were invited to speak at the panel. Some of them had taken part in the development of the Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Guide.
The young speakers shared how young people could inject new vigour to a global culture of integrity and become integrity leaders as well as anti-corruption champions. About 200 local, mainland and overseas university and secondary school students, as well as ICAC’s iElite Youth Leaders were also invited to participate in the session for the first time.
Upon conclusion of the symposium, participants joined a back-to-back anti-corruption training programme co-organised by the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC) and the IAACA. The programme included workshops on law enforcement, education and prevention, as well as visits to ICAC facilities including the Exhibition Hall, the HKIAAC, the Identification Parade Suite, the Video Interview Rooms, mock court and the detention center.
Over 50 participants will join an ICAC delegation, led by ICAC Commissioner Mr Woo Ying-ming and Deputy ICAC Commissioner cum Head of Operations Ricky Yau Shu-chun, on a study tour to the city of Changsha in Mainland China from May 26 to 28.
“Hong Kong’s story in the fight against corruption should give us all confidence and belief in our mission. Let us re-affirm our commitment to the shared vision of a world without corruption. Together, we are better. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can chart a new path to combat corruption.” Mr Woo said in his closing address.
The symposium also served as the 11th Annual Conference of the IAACA. Mr Woo noted that the Hong Kong Declaration showcased the collective commitment of the members to combat corruption. He also called 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.
The Hong Kong Declaration also welcomed various international initiatives, including the “Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment” (GRACE Initiative) proposed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It also encouraged member organisations to draw reference to the “Global Policy Guide for Strengthening Youth Engagement in Anti-Corruption Initiatives” (Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Guide) jointly developed by the ICAC, UNODC and the IAACA.
The plenary session this morning was themed “The Power of Youth in Creating a World of Integrity”. For the first time, young people from around the world, including members of YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board to the GRACE Initiative, were invited to speak at the panel. Some of them had taken part in the development of the Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Guide.
The young speakers shared how young people could inject new vigour to a global culture of integrity and become integrity leaders as well as anti-corruption champions. About 200 local, mainland and overseas university and secondary school students, as well as ICAC’s iElite Youth Leaders were also invited to participate in the session for the first time.
Upon conclusion of the symposium, participants joined a back-to-back anti-corruption training programme co-organised by the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC) and the IAACA. The programme included workshops on law enforcement, education and prevention, as well as visits to ICAC facilities including the Exhibition Hall, the HKIAAC, the Identification Parade Suite, the Video Interview Rooms, mock court and the detention center.
Over 50 participants will join an ICAC delegation, led by ICAC Commissioner Mr Woo Ying-ming and Deputy ICAC Commissioner cum Head of Operations Ricky Yau Shu-chun, on a study tour to the city of Changsha in Mainland China from May 26 to 28.

ICAC Commissioner cum President of IAACA Woo Ying-ming pictured with IAACA members following adoption of the Hong Kong Declaration.

“Together, we are better. Together, we are stronger.” says ICAC Commissioner cum President of IAACA Woo Ying-ming.

ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming announces the adoption of the Hong Kong Declaration as President of IAACA.

Young speakers share how young people could inject new vigour to a global culture of integrity.

Panel Chair Dr Eduardo Vetere encourages members of the IAACA to draw reference from the Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Guide.

ICAC Chief Investigator Wilson Lai shares the importance of youth engagement in the fight against corruption.

ICAC Commissioner, Deputy ICAC Commissioner cum Head of Operations pictured with about 200 university and secondary school students attending the 8th ICAC Symposium.

Deputy ICAC Commissioner cum Head of Operations Ricky Yau Shu-chun shares with students ICAC's work.

The ICAC invites secondary school students to attend the 8th ICAC Symposium.

Participants join a back-to-back anti-corruption training programme upon conclusion of the symposium.

ICAC officers brief participants on the Commission's Identification Parade Suite.