Standardized (Open) Trainings and Tailor-Made-Trainings
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
participants from all sectors attended IACA’s open trainings throughout 2023
IACA offers a wide range of standardized (open) trainings for anti-corruption and compliance practitioners, ranging from two days to a few weeks in length. These programmes strengthen participants’ knowledge, tools, and skill set in specific areas of anti-corruption.
In addition to established programmes and with the generous support of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, IACA organized in the online format the Power of the Pen Training addressed to 30 journalists and media representatives from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Senegal. The training aimed at giving the participants an opportunity to expand their expertise, build a common knowledge base, and strengthen regional capacities to effectively fight corruption through media. The second part of the training took place in May 2023, as a follow-up to the first training module implemented in November 2022.
The International Anti-Corruption Winter School for Students and Young People from Africa was jointly delivered by IACA and the UNODC, with the generous support of the Republic of Austria. This training was implemented from 4 to 8 December 2023 and served 41 participants. The aim of this edition was to equip young professionals, improve their ethical skills and mindsets, as well as to raise awareness among them about the values and principles of integrity, ethics, and anti-corruption. The project will continue with three more editions until 2025.
Partnering with UN Habitat, IACA submitted a proposal in response to the 2023 SDGs Learning, Training and Practice call organized by UNDESA and UNITAR. IACA's proposal was accepted, leading to the implementation of a virtual panel discussion on Accelerating Resilient Recovery: The Role of Inclusive Infrastructure and Sustainable Entrepreneurship alongside the UN High-Level Political Forum 2023. Experts from UN Habitat, UNCTAD, IACA, and Think Tank AlterContacts joined together to discover the synergies and uncover their potential for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in today’s ever-changing environment. During the panel discussion session, panelists presented the unique and innovative tools of the SDG Cities Global Initiative; best practices of the CoST Infrastructure Transparency Initiative; and preventive and corrective tools to tackle corruption. The event gathered over 300 participants. The recorded session can be accessed on YouTube: 2023 SDGs Learning: Session 7: Accelerating resilient recovery.
588 participants from all sectors attended IACA’s open trainings throughout the year, and many professionals received full scholarships or benefited from tuition fee waivers thanks to the support of institutional sponsors.
Summer Academy
Since it began in 2011, the programme has attracted more than 920 participants from nearly 140 countries.
IACA’s renowned, interdisciplinary Summer Academy is IACA’s largest open-enrolment training. It enables participants to analyze corruption from diverse angles, including economics, psychology, sociology, law, ethics, integrity, and political science. The thirteenth edition which took place in June 2023 welcomed 53 anti-corruption and compliance professionals from 30 countries, from both the public and private sector, international and non-governmental organizations, the media, and academia.
During the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Summer Academy, ten full scholarships and eight tuition fee waivers were granted to participants.
Impact stories
“IACA’s program has a very strong focus on the best mechanisms and tools for fighting corruption by combining both theoretical knowledge with practical skills through serving as a perfect platform for my further professional activity. My participation in the Summer Academy gave me a chance to exchange ideas and views on global fight against corruption both with renowned professors and like-minded colleagues.
“The International Anti-Corruption Summer Academy (IACA Summer Academy) was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my journey in the fight against corruption. The knowledge and insights gained during the program have shaped my mindset and provided me with a clear mission to do whatever it takes to combat corruption. Academy presented opportunities to understand the latest anti-corruption strategies from various perspectives and put it into practice. Equally significant was the opportunity to connect with professionals and participants from various countries. The networks established during the IACA Summer Academy have broadened my perception of corruption and its global reach. Summer Academy has been a significant catalyst for my personal and professional growth. It has empowered me to contribute meaningfully to the fight against corruption, both in my country and beyond. The program's emphasis on practical applications, network building, and understanding corruption from diverse perspectives has broadened my skill set and fostered a holistic approach to addressing this global challenge.
Regional Summer Academy
In 2023, IACA delivered two editions of the Regional Summer Academy (RSA) with the generous support of the Siemens Integrity Initiative.
The RSA Central and South America edition took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 24 to 31 March 2023. The topics ranged from legal frameworks for fighting corruption to whistleblowing and global trends as well as natural resources and corruption. Thanks to this interdisciplinary approach, the participants were able to enhance their understanding of the topics from diverse perspectives, including but not limited to legal, psychological, economic as well as political line of thoughts. It was attended by 70 professionals from 13 countries.
From 10 to 17 November 2023, the RSA Africa edition was delivered in Nairobi, Kenya. The event with the overall theme “Practice meets Science” covered topics ranging from effective governance, public procurement, and whistleblowing to ethical aspects, and journalism. It was attended by 48 participants from 21 countries. The official opening dinner in Nairobi was hosted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of Kenya.
Since its launch in 2015, the IACA Regional Summer Academy format has attracted and empowered 696 professionals from around the world. Past editions were organized in Argentina (Latin America, 2015), Uganda (Eastern Africa, 2016), Kuwait (Middle East, 2017), China (East and Southeast Asia, 2018), the Republic of Korea (South and East Asia, 2019), Brazil (Central and South America, 2019), and Malaysia (Asia, 2022).
The programme combines new insights from research and practice, encouraging the participants to develop and deepen their existing anti-corruption knowledge. It includes teambuilding exercises, intensive in-class sessions, and a round-table discussion. In addition, the participants contribute insights from their experiences working in the private and public sectors, anti-corruption bodies, civil society, and academia.
Impact stories
RSA Central and South America
“Being part of the select group of professionals at the IACA Summer Academy was really meaningful. The opportunity to learn with colleagues from other regions and exchange experiences made me reflect on how to improve my capabilities and competences handling government investigations on anti-corruption and AML. At the end of the week, my desire is to keep connected with our group and be part of the future initiatives of the Academy. It was a great opportunity to foster skills and diversify my perception on several hot topics.
“After a rigorous selection process, I had the opportunity to participate in a unique event: the IACA's RSA, where I was able to learn and share experiences with professionals from 13 Latin American countries. For me, it was not just a learning space, but a whole transformative experience that has renewed my commitment to combat corruption in partnership with the public, private sectors, and civil society. I am very grateful to IACA and to each one of the speakers and participants, who always showed openness and passion. I am thrilled to put into practice all I have learnt and keep on fostering an ethical business environment.
Impact stories
RSA Africa
“The IACA 2023 Regional Summer Academy, hosted in a picturesque setting in Nairobi that brought together professionals, academics, and activists from diverse backgrounds, was a melting pot of ideas and strategies aimed at combating corruption and promoting compliance and collective action. The IACA RSA’s agenda was thoughtfully crafted, covering a wide range of topics from conceptualisation and determinant factors of corruption to national and international anti-corruption frameworks, including practical compliance measures and the importance of collective action. One of the defining moments of the program was an eye-opening session by a seasoned anti-corruption expert who presented how culture impacted corruption in our society in different ways. In a nutshell, the interactive nature of the IACA 2023 Regional Summer Academy in Nairobi provided a platform for participants to share experiences and brainstorm on innovative solutions. Engaging in lively discussions, I discovered the power of collaboration and the importance of collective action in the fight against corruption. The diverse perspectives and insights offered by my fellow attendees enriched my understanding, ignited a passion for ethical leadership, and empowered me to be a catalyst for change in my career and community. As a result of this, I felt a profound sense of responsibility to contribute to a world free from the shackles of corruption. I am grateful to the 2023 RSA organising team and IACA for the opportunity to be an IACA Alumni.
“What an exceptional opportunity it was to be part of the IACA 9th Regional Summer Academy in Nairobi, Kenya. Not only did the programme lead participants in a focused, participatory, collaborative learning environment, but the speakers were also inclusive in their approach and demonstrated care in documenting and presenting the information. The discussions were both relevant and practical so much so that I came out with a whole new approach and best practice strategies towards my professional life as an Investigator. The RSA created for me an incredible lifelong professional network that I will always cherish! A big shout out to IACA for the opportunity to transform knowledge, action and leadership skills through its world class programmes which are needed for confronting global threats.
Executive Diploma in Anti-Corruption and Diplomacy
IACA delivered the third edition of the programme in cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The programme consisted of seven modules, four focusing on anti-corruption and three on tackling diplomacy related matters. Each module was three weeks long and offered various learning methods, such as self-paced learning through video materials and reading, live sessions, group work, essay writing, etc.
The Executive Diploma in Anti-Corruption and Diplomacy (EDACD) attracted 36 participants from 29 different countries around the globe, which is an increase of more than 50% in comparison to the year before. It was delivered fully online between March and July 2023.
Impact stories
“The Executive Diploma in Anti-Corruption and Diplomacy programme has expanded my expertise. In addition to a robust anti-corruption curriculum, its multidisciplinary approach delved into areas tangential to the anti-corruption studies such as negotiation, multilateral diplomacy, the role of the press, and cybersecurity. The exceptional quality of instruction, coupled with effective post-course assessments and a vibrant, diverse class, made this learning experience truly outstanding and invaluable to my professional growth. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the amazing UNITAR/IACA team for ensuring that the course ran smoothly and, most importantly, that I felt genuinely supported throughout the entire journey.
“The Executive Diploma in Anti-Corruption and Diplomacy was more than just a programme for me, it became a personal odyssey that rewired my understanding of global challenges and equipped me with a unique set of tools for change. At the heart of this transformative journey was a curriculum that delved into the very fabric of anti-corruption efforts and the intricacies of diplomacy in a digital era. This diploma wasn’t about lectures; it was about understanding the nexus between diplomacy and anti-corruption and learning how to be a catalyst for change. What sets this diploma apart is its commitment to fostering a global network of professionals. Not only did I acquire knowledge but also had the opportunity to interact with international peers. At the end, it wasn’t only about gaining knowledge but developing a toolkit for real-world challenges. The incorporation of subjects like ethics, compliance and journalism into the coursework ensured a comprehensive skill set. The newfound expertise in negotiations, leadership and stakeholder coordination positions me as a dynamic force in my field of international development. My journey through the Executive Diploma was about acquiring a set of skills and insights that I could immediately apply to my professional life. The programme’s design, with a focus on immediate knowledge transfer, ensured that I could seamlessly integrate the acquired knowledge and tolls into my work, contributing to the prevention of corruption and the enhancement of diplomatic practices. As I continue my educational journey, the impact of this Executive Diploma will undoubtedly be a guiding light, illuminating my path towards a future marked by ethical leadership, global collaborations, and meaningful contributions to anti-corruption initiatives on the global stage.
Tailor-made Trainings
IACA’s tailor-made trainings address the specific anti-corruption and compliance needs of individual organizations, such as government ministries, national anti-corruption authorities and audit institutions, as well as private and state-owned companies. Delivered on IACA’s campus, online, and occasionally other locations worldwide, each programme is unique and adapted to the requirements of the requesting institution.
The custom-designed programmes are delivered by leading international academics and practitioners, which often include study visits to Vienna-based organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Vienna City Hall, Austrian Central Public Prosecutor's Office for the Prosecution of Economic Crimes and Corruption, Austrian anti-corruption authorities, and the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI).
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The demand for IACA’s tailor-made trainings (TMT) continued to increase in 2023, as the Academy delivered 14 trainings, both in-person and online, for institutions and groups including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE); the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (ONACC) of Thailand; the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) of Qatar; SOS Children’s Villages; the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) of the Republic of Korea, the Corruption Prevention Department of the Government of the Slovak Republic; the Ministry of Interior in Bahrain; the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Suriname (funded by the Inter-American Development Bank - IDB); and the Anti-Corruption System (ACS) of Madagascar (financed by the German Agency for International Cooperation - GIZ).
The first round of trainings in support of Serbian institutions on the road to EU Accession, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and implemented by IACA, were launched as part of the EUROLIS project. This round consisted of three tailor-made trainings focused on:
- Financial Investigations for the Staff of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption of Serbia;
- Free Access to the Information of Public Importance: Legislation and Practice;
- Corruption Risk Assessment.
The EUROLIS project on the rule of law in Serbia, funded by the European Commission, is aimed at supporting the Serbian Anti-Corruption Agency and the Commissioner on Public Information. This project is delivered by a consortium of international organizations and relevant EU Member States’ governmental institutions, which was formed jointly with GIZ, OSCE, ADA, Central Project Management Agency of Lithuania, Center for International Legal Cooperation of the Netherlands, Ministry of Justice of Austria, and IACA.