The first meeting of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, in Jeddah on Thursday, has urged pursuing international cooperation on global anti-corruption challenges including the cost of corruption and its impact on the global gross domestic product (GDP).
The ACWG met for the first time under the Saudi G20 Presidency this week, following the announcement by the Saudi Control and Anti-Corruption Authority (NAZAHA) that the working group will hold a minister meeting this year.
Chair of the ACWG Dr. Nassar Abaalkhail highlighted the importance of continuing to address corruption and promoting integrity and accountability in order to foster growth.
Abaalkhail asserted that the ACWG will continue to pursue international cooperation on many global anti-corruption challenges including asset recovery, foreign bribery, and beneficial ownership transparency.
The meeting focused on the achievements and next steps looking forward to implementing the Anti-Corruption 2019-2021 Action Plan.
Delegates addressed the use of new technologies to boost integrity, while promoting a comprehensive approach to developing anti-corruption policies. Member countries were encouraged to share their best practices regarding integrity within Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
The G-20 states agreed on the Action Plan in Buenos Aires in 2018. G-20 Members committed to working on the development and implementation of proper mechanisms to adopt G-20 agreements in anti-corruption.
In the framework of this plan, G-20 members will also look forward to developing targeted actions where the G-20 can best add value in promoting international efforts in the fight against corruption.
The ACWG is committed to continuing their work focused on promoting international efforts in the fight against corruption, and during 2020 delegates will continue discussing previous agreements and sharing good practices to foster transparency.
