The 8th ICAC Symposium, entitled “Charting a New Path to Combat Corruption” was co-organized by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, China and the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), was held in Hong Kong from 22 to 24 May 2024. This event, also serving as the 11th Annual Conference of IAACA, attracted over 500 representatives from around 180 anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies across nearly 60 jurisdictions. About one-third of the participating organizations are members of the IAACA.
Opening Session
The event was inaugurated by The Honourable Mr John KC Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China; Mr Danny Y M Woo, IAACA President and ICAC Commissioner; Mr Fu Kui, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and Vice Chairman of the National Commission of Supervision of China, and other distinguished guests.
In his opening address, the Chief Executive highlighted Hong Kong's anti-corruption collaboration with counterparts worldwide. He assured that the HKSAR Government would continue supporting the collaboration among graft-fighters worldwide.
The Chief Executive also witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Hong Kong ICAC and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as anti-corruption authorities from Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. These MoUs exemplify the agencies’ commitment to international cooperation and exchange in the fight against corruption.
Officiating guests with heads of the UNODC and anti-corruption authorities from Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia and South Africa after signing of MoUs with the Hong Kong ICAC.
Keynote speeches by prominent anti-corruption figures, including Mr Fu Kui; Ms Ghada Fathi Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Executive Director of the UNODC, and Mr Petr Klement, Deputy European Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, shed light on pressing challenges faced by the global anti-corruption community.
Plenary Discussions
Over 30 prominent speakers, including senior representatives from IAACA member authorities, law enforcement and regulatory bodies, justice departments, leading research institutions and international organizations from various jurisdictions, shared their insights and expertise on global challenges and strategies in anti-graft work on four discussion panels, namely:
- Sustainable International Co-operation for a Shared Future
- Contemporary Challenges in Fighting Corruption
- Synergising Public-Private Partnership to Combat Corruption
- The Power of Youth in Creating a World of Integrity
In order to echo our belief that young people are the future of the anti-corruption development, the final panel featured young speakers sharing their views on the roles of youth in enhancing integrity in their communities. Around 200 youngsters from Hong Kong and different parts of the world participated in the session.
Delegates from IAACA member authorities discussing strategies for enhancing global anti-corruption efforts
Young people with diverse backgrounds joining the event
Hong Kong Declaration
A significant highlight of the Conference was the adoption of the “Hong Kong Declaration on Strengthening International Cooperation in Preventing and Fighting Corruption”. Announced by Mr Danny Woo, IAACA President, the declaration underscored IAACA's dedication to promoting the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and enhancing international anti-corruption collaboration. The Declaration welcomes various international initiatives, including the UNODC's “Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities” (GlobE Network) and “Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment” (GRACE Initiative). It also encouraged member organizations to draw reference to the policy guide on meaningful youth engagement in anti-corruption work jointly developed by the UNODC the ICAC and IAACA.
Meeting with Global Counterparts
In the margin of the Conference, the President and the Secretary General of IAACA had bilateral meetings with counterparts around the world. These interactions helped the delegates strengthen connections and explore opportunities of collaborations in the fight against corruption.
Training Programme
Following the Symposium, IAACA co-organized a training programme with the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC) on 24-28 May 2024. The theme of the training programme was “New Era against Corruption: Leveraging Innovation and Technology in Fighting and Preventing Corruption”.
Technical visit and training workshops
Over 160 delegates joined a technical visit to investigative facilities of the Hong Kong ICAC, including the identification parade suite, video interview rooms, the mock court and the detention centre. Workshops were also hosted by veteran officers of the Hong Kong ICAC to share Hong Kong's experience in making use of innovation and technology in anti-graft investigation, systemic prevention and community education.
ICAC officers introducing Hong Kong's anti-corruption history to the delegates during the technical visit
Study Tour to Mainland of China
With the coordination of the National Commission of Supervision of China, a three-day study tour to Changsha, Hunan Province, China was arranged for about 50 delegates from nearly 20 anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies. Led by President Woo, the delegation visited innovation and technology enterprises, academic and cultural spots, and a national-level industrial chain base on innovation and technology in Changsha. A discussion forum was also held to share China's latest developments and experiences in fighting corruption. The study tour provided delegates with first-hand insights into China's robust anti-corruption efforts.
During the whole event, IAACA members and other participants refreshed the spirit of collaboration and determination. Insightful discussions led to the formation of new partnerships and initiatives, further advancing collaborative efforts for the years to come. By fostering open exchange and an energized spirit of cooperation, the event illuminated the path toward a promising new chapter in the global fight against corruption.
You are welcome to visit the event website to know more about the 8th ICAC Symposium and 11th IAACA Annual Conference.