Corruption is like a thief you never see, stealing from you in ways you never notice until something essential is gone. It takes things people depend on most: access to education, jobs, clean water, life-saving medication, roads and infrastructure.
Its reach is wide. In 2024, one in five people who interacted with a public official were asked to pay a bribe, turning everyday necessities into transactions that many simply can’t afford.
Corruption doesn't only drain the pockets of people, but it also drains nations’ reserves. Data from the StAR Initiative Asset Recovery Watch Database shows that approximately USD 16.9 billion in corruption proceeds have been frozen, restrained, confiscated or returned to the countries affected. These recovered assets represent critical resources that can now be redirected towards public priorities.
This shows that policy choices matter. When countries adopt robust laws, coordinate across borders and commit to integrity, public resources are better protected and trust in institutions begins to take root. Yet, with democratic institutions under pressure, rising conflict and growing public demand for accountability, the need for decisive global action is clearer than ever.
The eleventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (COSP11), taking place in Doha, Qatar, 15-19 December 2025, offers countries a critical opportunity to step up to that challenge, turn the world’s attention to the most pressing corruption issues and strengthen the global response to this threat.
The Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP) is the world’s largest international gathering dedicated to combating corruption and economic crime.
It is the main decision-making body of the UN Convention against Corruption – the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. As of October 2025, it has nearly universal adherence, with 192 Parties.
The Conference guides global anti-corruption and economic crime efforts and provides direction to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which serves as its secretariat.
COSP ensures that UNCAC is not merely a set of principles, but a living instrument that drives real change. It plays a central role in promoting and reviewing its implementation, enhancing international cooperation and adopting policy decisions that shape global anti-corruption efforts. Resolutions adopted at COSP signal that the international community recognizes an issue as important. This can elevate emerging concerns, such as political party financing, whistle-blower protection and corruption in the private sector.
Resolutions adopted at COSP have led to real, measurable change. One of the most significant examples is the Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM), established by COSP through its resolution 3/1. The IRM is a peer review process that helps States Parties assess how well they are implementing the Convention. It highlights what is working, identifies gaps and supports governments in strengthening their laws, policies and institutions to better prevent and fight corruption.
Fifteen years after the first reviews began, the impact has been substantial. The IRM has helped 146 countries to update or introduce new anti-corruption laws and policies. Without strong laws and policies, corruption goes unchallenged.
COSP serves as a global meeting point for a wide range of stakeholders. Governments, civil society, the private sector, academia and young people meet every two years for open dialogue, shared learning and collaboration, ensuring that the fight against corruption is met by a response as diverse and multifaceted as the challenges confronting the world today.
Under the theme ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity’, COSP11 will focus on addressing new and emerging threats in the fight against corruption and strengthening international cooperation to match the realities of today’s complex criminal activities. Evidence shows that reducing corruption worldwide could increase tax revenues by USD 1 trillion – equivalent to 1.25 per cent of global GDP - and boost economic growth.
Funds lost to illicit financial flows, organized criminal activities and corruption must be recovered and redirected towards essential public services and people who are in desperate need of them. COSP matters because it strengthens the global cooperation required to achieve such an outcome.
Learn more about COSP here.
