A third training to strengthen civil society's capacity on the UNCAC and its review mechanism, organized by UNODC and the UNCAC Coalition, took place from 9-12 October 2012 at the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) in Laxenburg, Austria.
aaaCSO Representatives attending the training at IACA
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UNODC's partnership with the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) was key to allow this four day training to take place. In total, 34 Civil Society Organizations (CSO) from 27 countries across the world attended sessions and plenary discussions to enhance their knowledge and skills on the different entry points where CSOs can participate in the review process, and how they can make submissions to the Conference of State Parties and the Implementation Review Group.
Experts from UNODC and Transparency International provided participants with the requisite substantive expertise on UNCAC provisions, in order for them to contribute to the review alongside their governments. Through interactive exercises in small groups, CSO representatives also developed their capacity to prepare self-assessment and country reports. Above all, they realized the importance of sharing experiences, good practices and cooperating with all actors involved in the fight against corruption, beyond sectoral and national boundaries.
In addition, CSOs have been equipped on different approaches to implement a communication strategy on UNCAC and increase their outreach with the private sector. In the coming months, an opportunity to apply for small grants will be made available to CSOs with the aim of developing innovative ways to approach small and medium-sized businesses on anti-corruption activities.
Together with the previous training in Laxenburg in February 2011 and in Johannesburg in March 2012, over 100 NGOS have now been trained and equipped with the necessary tools to foster the implementation of the UNCAC and the review mechanism of their own country.