Last week, I had the privilege of attending the 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in Vilnius, Lithuania. This pivotal event served as a significant platform for tackling global threats, ranging from climate change and declining public trust to the rise of populist and kleptocratic regimes. The urgency to unite and take concrete action has never been greater in our global fight against corruption and injustice.
The conference drew a diverse coalition of participants, including public and private sector representatives, civil society activists, media professionals, academics, and young leaders. This diverse representation fostered insightful discussions on critical issues such as strategic corruption, how to reverse capture of state, the use of dirty money, role of private business and the increasing power of organized crime.
One of the significant focuses of the conference was environmental degradation driven by corruption. Experts highlighted how corruption exacerbates climate change and environmental crimes, underscoring the need for transparent and accountable climate finance.
The role of technology in enabling and combating corruption was another critical topic. While technological advancements present new challenges, they also offer powerful tools for transparency and accountability. The IACC explored how we can harness technology to stay ahead in the fight against corruption.
A key theme was the urgent need to support those on the front lines of integrity and transparency. Sessions focused on defending human rights activists, journalists, and environmental defenders, highlighting the alarming increase in attacks against these defenders and calling for more robust protection and support systems.
I am pleased that at Dexis Consulting we supported participation of delegates from countries at the front line of democratic transformations. Representatives from Moldova, Armenia, Guatemala, and Timor Leste were able to contribute to vibrant discussions, sharing knowledge and experience while forging coalitions among like-minded actors fighting for integrity and accountability in their countries and internationally.
Dexis Consulting also organized a side event focusing on reflecting on and refining strategies that consolidate the gains of anti-corruption reforms. The event highlighted the specific cases of Guatemala, Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Timor-Leste, showcasing the substantial strides made in their anti-corruption efforts and identifying opportunities to strengthen democratic institutions and promote resilience against challenges.
As the conference concluded, it is evident that a united global effort is essential to combat the growing threats to democracy and human rights. Congratulations to the organizing committee and host country, Lithuania, for their exceptional organization and hospitality, which ensured a successful and impactful event.
Dexis Consulting Group
