Fighting Corruption ‘from The Top Down’ Essential, Declares UN Chief
Rukhshan Mir (@rukhshanmir) Published May 24, 2018 | 12:40 AM
UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th May, 2018 ) :Senior United Nations officials Wednesday called on Government leaders to fight corruption '�from the top down' as this scourge and complicity know no geographical boundaries, and it is society's most vulnerable who get hurt the most "It all begins with setting an example.
By tackling corruption, Governments can show they mean business,"� Secretary-General Antonio Guterressaid , speaking at a high-level event marking the 15th anniversary of the UN Convention Against Corruption.
"Society cannot function equitably and efficiently when public officials" from doctors to police, judges and politicians '" enrich themselves rather than perform their duties with integrity,"� he added.
Adopted in 2003, the Convention Against Corruption is the only legally-binding universal instrument, drawn up to fight corruption in all its forms. "It fuels conflict, and when a hard-won peace is achieved, corruption undermines recovery.
Corruption and impunity are corrosive, breeding frustration and fostering further corruption when people see no other way of achieving their goals,"�the UN chief said, calling for greater political and popular support for the fight against corruption.
In his remarks, Guterres also underlined that in addition to robbing vital resources from public services such as schools and hospitals, corruption also fuels human trafficking and the black market in natural resources, weapons, drugs and cultural artifacts.
He described the Convention Against Corruption as one of the most effective tools the world has to achieve the common goals of good governance, stability and prosperity. "The UN will continue to support Member States every step of the way, from helping to engage and empower citizens in this fight, to helping build and enhance institutions that can deliver on their promise," Guterres said.
Speaking alongside the Secretary-General, Miroslav Lajcak, the President of the UN General Assembly also reiterated that corruption hurts all sections of the society and that it "destroys everything in its path."� Ultimately, corruption causes suffering to ordinary people going about their daily lives, he stressed, citing common examples: "When they are stopped at checkpoints, for bribes.
When a bus does not come or a clinic does not open "" because budgets were mismanaged. Or when they lose all of their savings, from extortion,"�said Mr. Laj�ák. He also highlighted the link between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and good governance.
"If we want to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we need to take concrete steps. This will mean allocating budgets. It will mean raising more funds. It will mean new policies and new legislation"�, he said, adding that more innovative ways needed to be found of "working together"�.
Yury Fedotov, the Executive-Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also underscored the importance of the Convention for sustainable development. Noting that while Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16) explicitly urges action against corruption, tackling the problem is a prerequisite for overall economic growth.
"Anti-corruption responses are also crucial to ensuring access to healthcare, water, education and other vital services; protecting forests, oceans and wildlife; and reducing inequalities,"� he added. APP/ift
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq condoles over the demise ..
Senior Army Commanders visit families of customs' martyrs to condole
Poland-Pakistan corporation established on solid foundations: Polish envoy
Chairman Senate passes ruling to constitute Special Committee of Upper House
Stocks fall as tech shares sink, US economy slows
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
All AJK Inter-varsity Speech Competition urges UNO to ensure early grant of righ ..
AJK CEC calls on President Sultan Chaudhry
Assistant Secretary General of UNDP, Director of Regional Bureau for Asia & Paci ..
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on the rise
IHC suspends notification regarding cut in prices of 'naan & roti'
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
6 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
17 days ago