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Corruption undermines sustainable development. The abuse or misuse of public power for private benefit can take many forms – bribery, extortion, influence peddling, nepotism, fraud or embezzlement. Not only does corruption undermine investment and economic growth, it also erodes public trust in government, contributes to social instability and aggravates poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has specifically called for substantially reducing corruption and bribery in all its forms, and developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
In this connection, our Division’s work in combating corruption is guided by the following articles of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (A/RES/58/4) (UNCAC):
Article 7 - Public sector
Article 8 - Codes of conduct for public officials
Article 9 - Public procurement and management of public finances
Article 10 - Public reporting
Some areas of work that we have undertaken include advocacy and research on national and regional codes of conducts of the public service, constitutional rights concerning citizen engagement in public affairs, open government data, national e-procurement development, the role of supreme audit institutions, as well as institutional arrangement and mechanisms in promoting open, transparent and inclusive participation and decision-making in development.
Information on UN cooperation with Supreme Audit institutions can be found here.