Luang Prabang (Lao PDR), 11 July 2024 - In coordination with Lao PDR’s State Inspection Authority (SIA), UNODC held a capacity-building workshop on 11 July, which followed from the conclusion of the 20th Secretariat Meeting of ASEAN Parties against Corruption (ASEAN-PAC). The workshop was attended by 65 delegates from ASEAN-PAC, with representation from all ASEAN Member States.
The workshop aimed to:
After opening remarks by the ASEAN-PAC Chair, H.E. Vilayvanh Boutdakham, the Vice President of the SIA, UNODC first presented on key UNCAC review findings in ASEAN Member States, the Regional Roadmap to Reinvigorate the Platform to Fast-Track the Implementation of the Convention (2024 – 2027), and the alignment between both. Presentations were then made on the regional implementation of UNCAC, including on criminalization and law enforcement, corruption prevention strategies, and asset recovery procedures. Members of ASEAN-PAC were involved in presenting findings on the regional implementation of UNCAC, including challenges, good practices, and remaining implementation gaps.
Participants were engaged in presentations covering crucial areas such as criminalization and law enforcement, corruption prevention strategies, and asset recovery procedures. These sessions showcased both the progress made and the challenges faced in implementing UNCAC, with ASEAN-PAC members sharing valuable insights and practical solutions. Interactive roundtable discussions allowed delegates to reflect on their countries' achievements, identify common challenges, and explore opportunities for regional collaboration. Each discussion group appointed a rapporteur to present their findings, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and reinforcing the workshop’s collaborative spirit.
The workshop concluded with UNODC outlining its global and regional anti-corruption initiatives, including the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GloBE Network). At the end of the workshop, representatives from Lao PDR’s SIA and Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) mapped out the next steps leading up to the November 2024 ASEAN-PAC meeting in Indonesia, setting the stage for continued progress in the fight against corruption. .
The event was conducted with funding from from the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea and The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL) of the U.S. Embassy.
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