Islamabad, 07 January 2022 (TDI): Representatives from the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathered in Islamabad to jointly inaugurate the 7th International Seminar on Combating Corruption.
During the seminar, they also discussed the promotion of sustainable global development and human rights in the region.
17th International Seminar on Combating Corruption
Along with these lines, this 2 – day (6 – 7 January) International Seminar is conducted in Pakistan (Islamabad) with the collaboration of OIC‘s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC). In addition to, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, UN Human Rights Asia, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and UN Development.
Therefore, the International Seminar focuses on the multidimensional negative effects of corruption on sustainable development. This is through the full enjoyment of all human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the right to development.
Furthermore, over 200 international and national stakeholders, including government officials, OIC members and observers, IPHRC commissioners, and representatives from the OIC Secretariat, UN, among others, will attend the two-day seminar. The latter will end on January 07, 2022.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister addressing the International Seminar
On the other hand, at the 7th worldwide conference on combating corruption, leaders emphasized the need of taking tangible efforts to stop illicit money flows. Moreover, they pointed out the importance to promote and protect all human rights.
During the opening session of the event, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan addressed the United Nations High-Level Panel on Financial Accountability, Transparency, and Integrity (FACTI). It has been estimated that an astounding $7 trillion in stolen assets are moored in financial ‘haven’ destinations.
“Our fight against corruption is essential to the achievement of #Agenda2030. We must join hands to address the underlying factors & enablers of corruption at both the national & international levels.
—H.E. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan pic.twitter.com/qWCfNI51Ci
— UNDP Pakistan (@UNDP_Pakistan) January 6, 2022
In this way, Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on developed nations to return confiscated assets to their home countries. This is because “there is a need for immediate and energetic national and international action, ” he added. Especially to stop the bleeding of impoverished countries.
Happening today!! @UNODCPakistan & @UNDP are partnering in the OIC-IPHRC 7️⃣th International Seminar on Combating Corruption – A pre-requisite for the full realisation of all Human Rights & Sustainable Development. @UNODC is highlighting its role as a panellist in the event. https://t.co/1MxEvQbfvh pic.twitter.com/wxvpKPK6w9
— UNODC_Pakistan (@UNODCPakistan) January 6, 2022
International Seminar Keynote Speakers
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet stated in her video statement that people worldwide pay around $1 trillion in bribes each year. Undoubtedly, this problem has dire enormous effects which lead to economic inefficiency and distortion.
That is why she pointed out the inversely proportional effects of corruption and bribes on the economy of any nation. Its costs are raised and the quality of services and commodities become lower perpetually, which harms development.
Finally, Chairman of the IPHRC Haci Ali Acikgul commended the Pakistani government and UN organizations for their assistance in combating corruption throughout the world.
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