International Anti-Corruption Day 2023: Theme, Date And History

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 09-12-2023

International Anti-Corruption Day 2023: Theme, Date And History

Important Day 3 min read

Every year, December 9 is celebrated as ‘International Anti-Corruption Day’ (IACD). The United Nations designated December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day to combat corruption globally.

As an annual celebration, the day serves as a platform to raise awareness, promote transparency and encourage action against corruption.

Theme of IACD 2023:

The theme of IACD 2023 is “UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption”.
The theme celebrates the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. It also underlines the importance of global cooperation in combating corruption.

History of IACD:

It started on 31 October 2003, when the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was adopted.
The United Nations passed the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). It was a treaty signed by the member states of the United Nations, who came together to fight against corruption and enforce law and order.
This treaty was signed on 9 December and came into force on 14 December 2003.
This conference has proved important in the global fight against corruption. This convention provides a framework to prevent, detect and punish corrupt practices by countries.
Recognizing the importance of this conference, the United Nations designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day.

Importance of IACD:

This day holds great importance in raising awareness about the adverse effects of corruption on society, economy and governance.
Corruption erodes trust in institutions, undermines economic growth, and perpetuates social injustice.
Celebration of this Day emphasises the vital need for transparency and accountability.
It also promotes ethical practices in both the public and private sectors.

Important statistics related to corruption:

As per a recent report by Transparency International,

About 74% of people in Asia believe that corruption at the government level is high.
It is also one of the biggest problems which their countries are facing nowadays.

As per the data from Transparency International Corruption Perceptions 2022,

Five least Countries in the world: Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden (respectively).
Five most corrupt countries in the world: Somalia, Syria, South Sudan, Venezuela, and Yemen (respectively).
India ranks 85th in this list, while the United States gets the 24th rank.