Sixth Plenary Meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network): Opening

• Dr. Kamran Aliyev, Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Mr. Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, President, Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Dr. Nasser Abaalkhail, Chair of the GlobE Network Steering Committee and Deputy for International Collaboration, Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabic
• Ms. Brigitte Strobel-Shaw, Chief of the Corruption and Economic Crime Branch, UNODC
• Distinguished members of the GlobE Network and its observers
• Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good morning!

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this beautiful city of Baku for the sixth plenary meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities - the GlobE Network. 

I would like to start by expressing our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan for generously hosting this meeting.

Today, we are here to discuss a vital part of the action needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – tackling corruption.

Corruption is often referred to as a hidden tax on society, because it robs nations of prosperity, denies citizens their rights, and undermines the very fabric of governance.  

We have just over 5 years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Whether it is ending poverty, reducing inequalities, or protecting our planet, corruption threatens every pillar of sustainable development.  It distorts economies, weakens institutions, and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.  When public funds meant for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure are misappropriated, it is the people - our future generations - who suffer the most.

We need broad partnerships to strengthen oversight, accountability, and transparency, building on the global anti-corruption tools provided by the United Nations Conventions against Corruption, which is the only legally binding international treaty dedicated to combating corruption.

As we all know, the United Nations Convention Against Corruption emphasizes the importance of criminalization and law enforcement in combating corruption.  Strong anti-corruption laws, when enforced effectively, serve as deterrents to misconduct and ensure accountability at every level of society.  Strengthening institutions that investigate and prosecute corruption fosters a culture of integrity.  And whistleblower protections and access to justice empower individuals to expose wrongdoing without fear.

The Convention also promotes international cooperation in law enforcement, encouraging countries to assist each other in investigations, prosecutions, and asset recovery efforts.  

So this platform provided by the GlobE Network for discussions and knowledge sharing amongst anti-corruption law enforcement authorities is critical in advancing this agenda.

Distinguished Participants:

The Pact for the Future, adopted at the Summit of the Future in September last year, recognizes corruption as a barrier to financing sustainable development.  And it provides a springboard to address corruption’s broader impact on governance, public trust, and equitable service delivery more comprehensively.  Transparency and accountability are not just financial concerns - they are the backbone of effective governance.

Combatting corruption requires resolute action from all sectors of society, including academia, civil society and the private sector.  Businesses must champion ethical practices, understanding that integrity fuels innovation and economic growth.  Civil society, media, and academia must remain vigilant, educating and advocating for accountability.

Moreover, innovative approaches are needed to counter the threats posed by corruption today and in the future.  And on this, I believe there will be extensive discussions later today on how to leverage technology – including AI – to enhance transparency and combat corruption, including in anti-corruption law enforcement.  

Distinguished Participants:

I would like to take this opportunity to commend Azerbaijan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption Implementation Review Mechanism - both as the State under review and the Reviewing State.  We also commend Azerbaijan’s institutional and legislative reforms in the area of anti-corruption.

We appreciate Azerbaijan’s active support as a member of the GlobE Network, and we hope the GlobE Network will continue to be used to advance anti-corruption and asset recovery cases.    

We welcome Azerbaijan’s commitment to fighting corruption through strengthening international cooperation and information exchange in the investigation and prosecution of corruption offences.  Under the leadership of UNODC, we look forward to continue supporting the Government and other stakeholders in this endeavor.

Thank you.