International Anti-Corruption Day 2023: Theme, History, Significance, Ways To Celebrate and More

International Anti-Corruption Day 2023 is on Saturday, December 9, 2023. It is an important event that recognizes the need to tackle corruption around the world. It is a call to action for governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to take a stand against corruption in all its forms.

This special day serves as a reminder that corruption is an obstacle to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, and that it is everyone’s responsibility to work together to combat it. We must all strive to ensure that our societies are free from corruption and that the voices of those affected are heard and addressed.

On this day, let us come together to fight this issue and create a world where everyone can live free from corruption.

International Anti-Corruption Day 2023 Overview

International Anti-Corruption Day is an important day to remind ourselves that the fight against corruption is far from over. We all must commit to combating the cause of ending corruption and protecting the rights of citizens around the world.

Name of the day	International Anti-Corruption Day
Acronym	IACD
Established by	United Nations (UN)
Year	2023
Date	9 December 2023
Frequency	Annual
Year of Establishment	2003

History and Significance

On October 31, 2003, the general assembly approved the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The assembly also asked the Secretary-General to name the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as the convention’s secretariat through Resolution 58/4.

In addition, the Assembly declared December 9 International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness of corruption and the Convention’s role in its prevention and combat. In December 2005, the Convention entered into force.

International Anti-Corruption Day 2023 will mark the twentieth anniversary of UNCAC. Various events will take place around the world to spread awareness about corruption. It is an insidious force that undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust, and distorts markets. It is essential that we take action to tackle corruption and create a fairer, more equitable society.

Details about Human Rights Day

Your “NO” counts campaign by the UN

The United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime jointly developed the international campaign known as “Your NO Counts”. The aim of this campaign is to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day (9 December) and to raise awareness about corruption and how to fight it.

According to the joint international campaign launched in 2009, Corruption hinders efforts to achieve the internationally agreed-upon Millennium Development Goals and undermines democracy. This further causes human rights violations, distorts markets, lowers quality of life, and allows organized crime, terrorism, and other threats to human security to thrive,

Ways to Observe International Anti-Corruption Day

Here are a few ideas to help you promote and celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day this year:

1. Organize a demonstration or rally in your community to create awareness about the importance of International Anti-Corruption Day and the need to combat corruption.
2. Start a petition or open a campaign to raise awareness about issues that are related to corruption and ways to stop them.
3. Have a discussion with your local government and representatives about the importance of fighting corruption in the public and private sectors.
4. Organize an Anti-Corruption Day educational event in your community to encourage citizens to take a stand against corruption.
5. Hold a public educational seminar to discuss the impact of corruption on society and ways to prevent it.
6. Use social media to create awareness about International Anti-Corruption Day and the need to tackle it. You can use #UnitedAgainstCorruption, #IACD2023, and #UNCAC on all social media platforms to share your thoughts.
7. Encourage people to wear an Anti-Corruption Day shirt or band to show their support for the cause.
8. Support organizations and initiatives that are working towards eliminating corruption.

Facts and Figures of Corruption in the Society

Corruption is the abuse of power by those in authority for personal gain. It is one of the worst social evils that has been plaguing the world for centuries. Here are some interesting facts about corruption that everyone should know.

• According to the World Economic Forum, corruption is estimated to cost between $2 trillion and $2.6 trillion annually. This is equivalent to more than 5 % of the global GDP.
• Approximately 68% of people in the world have had to pay at least one bribe to access public services.
• Corruption is pervasive in many countries, with some of the worst offenders located in Africa, Latin America and some parts of Asia.
• The impact of corruption is felt most by the poorest members of society, as it prevents equal access to resources and opportunities.
• Technology can also help tackle corruption, but its use must be carefully regulated to ensure it does not create new opportunities for corruption.

Despite all the efforts, corruption remains a major challenge for many countries and requires an ongoing commitment from all stakeholders to ensure effective measures are in place.

Check other Special Days in the month of December

Most and Least Corrupt Countries in the World

Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perception Index ranks countries by their perceived levels of corruption. According to their reports, the list of the most corrupt countries as well as the least corrupt countries in the world is given below.

Most Corrupt Countries in the World	Least Corrupt Countries in the World
Somalia	Denmark
South Sudan	New Zealand
Syria	Finland
Venezuela	Norway
Yemen	Singapore
Burundi	Sweden
Equatorial Guinea	Switzerland
North Korea	Netherlands
Haiti	Germany
Libya	Luxembourg

Frequently Asked Questions

We have tried to answer all your queries and provide the most accurate information. However, if you think this post needs improvement then do let us know in the comment section. Thanks for reading.