The Second International Conference on Anti-Corruption Innovations in Southeast Asia, held on June 7, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, was a resounding success. This event, organized by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand (ONACC), the Knowledge Hub for Regional Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Collaboration (KRAC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through its Anti-Corruption Hud for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT), and the Private Sector Collective Action against Corruption (CAC), brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including anti-corruption agencies, government representatives, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and international entities. The conference served as a dynamic platform for exchanging scholarly knowledge and innovative strategies to combat corruption in the region.
The conference featured three main panels, each focusing on a critical aspect of anti-corruption efforts:
1. Open Data and Anti-Corruption: This panel emphasized the strategic use of open data to understand and address corruption. It aimed to establish open data standards and promote collaboration among various sectors. The discussions highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to improve oversight, detection, and investigation processes, and proposed actionable guidelines to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in governmental agencies, private enterprises, and civil society.
2. Foreign Investors' Perspectives on Anti-Corruption in Southeast Asia: This panel explored how foreign investors perceive and engage with anti-corruption initiatives in the region. It sought to understand their views on current systems and discover ways to improve them. Topics covered included the impact of corruption on investments, the evaluation of innovative anti-corruption tactics, and the role of transparency and governance in investment decisions. Insights from this panel aimed to attract investments and advance anti-corruption strategies, fostering a more investor-friendly environment in Southeast Asia.
3. Transnational Corruption and Crime: This panel delved into the relationship between corruption and cross-border criminal activities, such as money laundering, trafficking, and organized crime. By examining these connections, the conference underscored the need for international cooperation to combat these complex challenges. The discussions aimed to enhance understanding and formulate strategies to address transnational corruption and related crimes effectively.
The conference achieved several key milestones, reflecting the collective commitment of all participants to combat corruption:
The conference marked a significant step forward in the fight against corruption in the region by fostering a collaborative environment and promoting innovative strategies, the conference contributed to the ongoing efforts to build a corruption-free Southeast Asia. The event's success is a testament to the commitment of all stakeholders to promoting transparency, integrity, and good governance. Moving forward, the insights and recommendations from this conference will serve as a valuable resource for enhancing anti-corruption initiatives and fostering sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
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