To mark the International Anti-Corruption Day, the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) hosted a global webinar featuring stakeholders, experts, and alumni from around the world. The event underscored the growing need for innovative and collaborative solutions to combat corruption, a theme emphasized in the opening remarks by the Academy's Dean, Prof. Slagjana Taseva. The Dean highlighted “The current risks and challenges related to corruption can only be addressed through innovative and collective solutions.” Reaffirming IACA’s unique role as an international organization dedicated to anti-corruption education and research, she added, “IACA will continue its mission to strengthen governance, promote transparency, and build resilient and just societies.”
A series of presentations by IACA’s Heads of Departments further illustrated the Academy’s multidisciplinary approach. They outlined recent progress and the way forward in capacity building, research and academic programmes, emphasizing the Academy’s commitment to innovation and excellence in anti-corruption efforts.
Contributions from Academy’s key figures further enriched the discussions. Professor Yong Guo, a member of IACA's Board of Governors, commended the Academy's distinctive role in the educational landscape and congratulated the organization on the introduction of its new Work Programme for 2025–2028. Furthermore, Professor Christopher Yukins, a distinguished IACA faculty member, offered insights into IACA’s efforts to bridge anti-corruption initiatives with procurement systems and risk mitigation strategies, highlighting the critical nexus between these areas.
The webinar also provided a platform for IACA alumni to share their experiences. They reflected on how the Academy’s programmes have not only enhanced global anti-corruption efforts but also transformed their personal and professional lives. This segment of the event showcased the tangible impact of IACA’s work on fostering empowered anti-corruption advocates worldwide.
Finally, the Dean closed the event by emphasizing the importance of collective action in the fight against corruption. “Rest assured, IACA is ready to collaborate with international organizations, government authorities, civil society, and academia to strengthen the fight against corruption,” the Dean added. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the Academy but also set the stage for its future endeavors, reaffirming its critical role in promoting transparency, good governance, and sustainable development worldwide.