UNODC joins partners in Belgrade to advance integrity and reform on International
Anti-Corruption Day
Belgrade, Serbia – 9 December 2025 – On International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, Belgrade hosted the international conference “15 Years of Development of Anti-Corruption Mechanisms Based on International Institutional Cooperation” bringing together national authorities, international organizations, diplomatic representatives, academia, and civil society. The event provided a platform to review progress and discuss future priorities in strengthening integrity systems in the country. Organized by the Agency for Prevention of Corruption of the Republic of Serbia and the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Mission to Serbia, with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The event opened with remarks by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, followed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and senior representatives of international partners, including the European Union Delegation to Serbia, the UN Resident Coordinator, and the Ministry of Justice of Serbia. Speakers emphasized that Serbia has made notable advances in building anti-corruption mechanisms over the past 15 years and stressed that continued cooperation, investment in prevention systems, transparency, and education are essential for sustained progress and long-term impact.
UNODC played an active role throughout the conference, contributing to both thematic sessions and highlighting its ongoing support to Serbia and the Western Balkans. The organization emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking, system-level prevention tools, training and capacity development, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Global developments in the implementation of Article 6 of UNCAC and the establishment of anti-corruption bodies were also highlighted. Discussions reinforced UNODC’s role as a key facilitator in aligning national priorities with international standards and supporting long-term anti-corruption reforms.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Convention against Corruption on October 31, 2003, designating December 9 as the International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness about corruption and the role of the Convention in preventing and combating corruption. The UN Convention entered into force in 2005 and was ratified by the Republic of Serbia in the same year. As corruption continues to evolve, so must our strategies. UNODC Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe remains committed to working with Serbia and partners in the region to strengthen integrity systems and promote a culture of transparency for generations to come.
