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

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.