Commissioner's Message
As Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong and President of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), I am both honoured and delighted to invite you to the 8th ICAC Symposium, which is co-hosted by the ICAC and the IAACA in Hong Kong from May 22 to 24, 2024.
The year 2024 marks the golden jubilee of the ICAC. In the last five decades, the ICAC has fought hand-in-hand with the citizens of Hong Kong against corruption and converted our city into one of integrity, forming an integral part of the foundation for it to become one of the successful economies in the world.
Corruption is an insidious crime and has become increasingly more sophisticated. Criminals have quickly adopted advanced technologies and taken advantage of globalisation to regularly change their modus operandi, posing huge challenges to investigative work and plaguing the world economy.
Fully appreciating the importance of international cooperation, the ICAC is an active member of a number of anti-corruption communities worldwide. The Central People's Government of the People’s Republic of China has designated the ICAC as the authority to assist other signatories to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in capacity building. In this regard, the ICAC has strengthened collaboration with, and offered training programmes to, anti-corruption agencies in other jurisdictions. In 2022, our commitment to contribute in the global fight against corruption was further evidenced by our assumption of the Presidency of IAACA, which was established to promote the effective implementation of the Convention.
Furthermore, leveraging on its 50 years of experiences in fighting corruption, the ICAC will set up the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption, which will be inaugurated in February 2024, to provide systematic and sustainable anti-corruption training courses for graft fighters both locally and overseas, and to promote academic research and exchange.
In 2000, the first ICAC Symposium provided a high-level forum for corruption fighters from different parts of the world to share their knowledge and experience. Over the years, subsequent symposia have continued in that vein, attracting substantial interest from practitioners and experts in the field. The upcoming Symposium, themed "Charting a New Path to Combat Corruption", focuses on essential topics that offer an excellent opportunity to facilitate discussions and exchanges that will give insight to participants formulating strategies according to their own respective needs.
Hong Kong, under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, has the distinct advantage of enjoying the strong support of our motherland and being closely connected to the world. Our rule of law remains robust, engendering a fair and open business environment. When attending the Symposium, I am sure you will not miss the chance to experience this beautiful and vibrant city.
Registration for the 8th ICAC Symposium has begun. I look forward to seeing you during the event.
Mr WOO Ying-ming, SBS, CSDSM
Commissioner, Independent Commission Against Corruption
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
People's Republic of China
President, International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities
