From 13 to 17 May 2024, IACA participated in the 33rd session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna, Austria. This session focused on “Promoting international cooperation and technical assistance to prevent and address crime.” States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) convene each year for regular sessions as well as intersessional meetings to deliberate on various aspects of crime prevention and criminal justice.
Addressing the session, Ms. Yoojin Choi, Head of Training and Capacity Development department at the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), emphasized the Academy's work in promoting international collaboration and providing technical assistance to prevent and address corruption and other forms of crime. She stressed that " investing in anti-corruption education and training, is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development, safeguarding human rights, and strengthening the rule of law."
Ms. Choi concluded her statement by expressing hope that IACA’s interaction with States and other stakeholders on anti-corruption initiatives will continue to grow and that the Commission will support the Academy’s activities on enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of international cooperation, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition, and asset recovery.
Furthermore, within the framework of the CCPCJ session, IACA held bilateral meetings with representatives of the States Parties to UNCAC. In particular, meetings were organized with Mr. Bhumivisan Kasemsook, Secretary General of the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) of Thailand as well as H.E. Dr. Samuel Urkato Kurke, Commissioner of the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) of Ethiopia accompanied by H.E. Belayhun Yerga Kifle, State Minister of Justice. Discussions centred on exploring possibilities for further collaboration on preventing and reducing corruption through education, capacity building, and research.
