History, theme, and significance of International Anti-Corruption Day in 2022
Every year on December 9, the world celebrates International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) in an effort to increase public awareness of the perils of corruption and their detrimental impact on growth and development.
Every year on December 9, the world celebrates International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) in an effort to increase public awareness of the perils of corruption and their detrimental impact on growth and development.
The United Nations states on its website that corruption “undermines democratic institutions, hampers economic development, and contributes to governmental instability.” By targeting the free and fair electoral process, it undermines the basic foundation of democratic institutions, making the commemoration of Anti-Corruption Day all the more important.
History of International Anti-Corruption Day
On October 31, 2003, the UN General Assembly ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption. In order to increase public awareness of corruption and the Convention’s role in preventing and fighting it, the Assembly also proclaimed December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day.
The ninth of December has since been recognised as International Anti-Corruption Day.
Subject and Importance
“Uniting the world against corruption” is the topic for International Anti-Corruption Day in 2022.
The 20th anniversary of the UN Convention Against Corruption occurs this year (UNCAC). The goal of the 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day is to draw attention to the critical connection between anti-corruption efforts and development, security, and peace.
The idea that fighting corruption is everyone’s right and duty is at the heart of this year’s theme. The detrimental effects of corruption can only be remedied by collaboration as we fight to create safer, more sustainable societies.
The onus of eradicating corruption starts with each individual and extends upward. The moral duty to remove corruption falls on states, public servants, law enforcement personnel, media representatives, members of civil society, academics, the general public, and young people equally.
Influence of corruption
Up to 25% of the roughly US$13 trillion that governments spend on public spending is wasted due to corruption, according to the United Nations Development Programme. The numbers are staggering. According to UNDP, out of the $7.5 trillion that countries spend on health, $500 billion is lost each year due to corruption.
These are funds that could be used to improve public health, government, education, and other fields that are all adversely affected by corruption.