Recognizing the demand for new and more effective alternatives in fighting corruption, grounded in local contexts and based on trust and collaboration, in 2023 IACA delivered its various programmes and activities in different corners of the world. Modules of its master programmes, namely the Master in Anti-Corruption and Diplomacy (MACD) and the Master in Anti-Corruption and Compliance (MACC) in Spanish, were held in Geneva and Mexico City, respectively. Two editions of the Regional Summer Academy were implemented in South America and Africa, and a Regional Alumni Conference took place in Latin America.

The Academy’s commitment to sharing knowledge and insights was further evidenced by its involvement in the implementation of two technical assistance initiatives: “Fighting Criminality and Corruption” project in Romania, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), and EUROLIS project on the rule of law in Serbia, funded by the European Commission. Furthermore, IACA continues implementing research projects in collaboration with several partners in the global anti-corruption system. In 2023, our research activities focused on typologies of corruption offences and integrity and anti-corruption compliance in sport and the humanitarian aid sector.

An important highlight of this year was the conclusion of phase one of the Global Programme on Measuring Corruption (GPMC). This initiative delivered eight Insight Briefs on key topics and expert workshops on measuring integrity and illicit financial flows. Additionally, IACA co-organized the Global Conference on “Harnessing Data to Improve the Measurement of Corruption” alongside UNODC, OECD, and UNDP. The event resulted in the adoption of Vienna Principles, a significant step toward a global framework for measuring corruption.

In all that we do, the Academy remains devoted to ensuring gender equality. Our efforts to promote such a crucial principle are upheld in the selection and recruitment of staff, participation in IACA programmes and trainings, and the awarding of scholarships. In 2023, the Academy concluded the project “Empowering Women to Fight Corruption” by hosting a three-day virtual conference on anti-corruption, compliance, and leadership for women in the private sector. Female empowerment through education is a powerful weapon that not only enhances the global efforts to fight corruption, but also fosters sustainable development, social justice, and economic growth.

IACA Team has worked tirelessly to deliver worldclass anti-corruption education; engage with its Constituency, partners, and other stakeholders; implement technical assistance projects; promote integrity; and empower anti-corruption and compliance professionals worldwide. The achievements of 2023 are the result of joint efforts of all the relevant stakeholders, particularly IACA’s Constituency, including the host state of Austria, the Board of Governors (BoG), the International Senior Advisory Board (ISAB), the International Academic Advisory Board (IAAB), private donors, faculty, students, participants, and alumni. We thank all of you from the depth of our hearts and we hope to continue collaborating with all of you in the years to come. It is our sincerest hope that jointly we will be able to ensure the conditions for IACA to realize its full potential.

IACA Secretariat