Connecting the world’s anti-corruption forces – ICAC Commissioner takes up IAACA presidency
With the full support of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming had taken over as President of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) early this month. Mr Woo will lead the IAACA to foster global anti-corruption work and generate greater synergy in promoting probity messages.
“It is my honour to represent the Hong Kong ICAC to contribute to the IAACA’s work. International anti-corruption work is a long journey full of challenges. I am glad to have the trust and full support of IAACA members. We all share the same commitment in battling corruption and enhancing anti-graft capacity,” Mr Woo said.
The IAACA was founded in 2006 as the first global institution for anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) worldwide, aiming to promote the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and foster international anti-corruption collaboration. Over 160 ACAs, including major ones around the world, have participated as IAACA members or engaged in various IAACA initiatives. Since its establishment, the ICAC had pro-actively taken part in the Association’s anti-corruption activities and training work. Former ICAC Commissioner Mr Simon Peh Yun-lu served as convenor of the IAACA training committee since 2017 and had successfully implemented various training initiatives. In January 2022, Mr Peh was elected as IAACA president. Mr Woo thanked Mr Peh for establishing a solid foundation for the Association’s work, as well as facilitating a seamless handover of the Presidency.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of UNCAC by China. To effectively implement the goals of the UNCAC, Mr Woo will chart the way forward by focusing on three strategic priorities. First and foremost is to enhance experience sharing among ACAs. Leveraging the expertise and network of the IAACA, the ICAC and the soon-to-be-established Hong Kong International Anti-Corruption Academy, anti-corruption conferences and workshops covering subjects such as asset recovery, financial investigations, computer forensics, technology applications as well as raising anti-corruption awareness of private organisations, etc. will be organised to provide more opportunities for graft fighters worldwide to share their experience.
Secondly, the IAACA will expand its network with international and regional anti-graft organisations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, Asian Development Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia Pacific, etc. The IAACA will develop diversified cooperation initiatives which focus on corruption-related issues and the latest trends attracting global concerns.
In additional to a dedicated website, the IAACA has also launched its official Facebook page this month. The page will feature interviews with global anti-corruption leaders and sharing of knowledge and skills in different aspects of anti-graft work in order to consolidate the IAACA’s online activities and exchange of information to connect graft fighters online. Moreover, to mark the 50th Anniversary of the ICAC next year, the Commission is planning for international liaison and exchange activities of different scales. Among them is the 8th ICAC Symposium to be co-hosted by the ICAC and IAACA in Hong Kong in May next year, which will be a valuable opportunity to strengthen engagement of and exchanges among IAACA members.
Soon after Mr Woo took up the IAACA presidency, the Commissioner led a delegation to visit the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) in Austria this month to exchange experience and to explore more collaboration between the UNODC, ICAC and the IAACA through trainings and co-organising international anti-corruption activities.
“Anti-graft cooperation should transcend borders, all the more so because corruption knows no boundaries. In the future, IAACA will continue to explore areas for collaborations with international anti-graft counterparts. I believe that with the concerted efforts of all members, IAACA will reach new heights in global anti-corruption work,” Mr Woo concluded.
