Dr. Ghada Waly Calls the Conference “The Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations

Convention against Corruption is a unique international forum”, said The UNODC Executive Director

Dr. Ghada Waly in her opening remarks. She The UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly called the

COVID-19 pandemic “a global wake-up call” to stand for integrity. “The world loses trillions of dollars every year

to corruption, at a time when every dollar is needed to increase public investment. Just as it breaks down resilience

and exposes people to hardship, corruption also enables criminals, traffickers, and terrorists.”, she said.

“Most countries in the world have ratified the Convention and committed themselves to it with some 189 State Parties.

This places a special responsibility on the Conference of the States Parties, especially at this critical juncture

when the world faces enormous challenges as well as great opportunities in combating corruption.”, she added.

This session is of exceptional importance. “The world desperately needs the principles of transparency, integrity

and a fair and equal recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, without exclusion. The pandemic has shifted from a global

health crisis to an economic and social crisis.”, she pointed out. Waly affirmed that this Conference is responsible for the

implementation and activation of the outcomes of this historic session. She also added that the session was held in an exceptional

situation and challenges posed by the pandemic. Dr. Waly thanked the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the Conference,

and for its cooperation with the UNODC. All necessary measures have been taken to protect and maintain

the safety of participating delegations. More than 2130 participants registered for the Conference,

unprecedented record which reflects the global interest in the theme. “This gathering sends a message to

the world that fighting corruption remains a priority on the international agenda in times of crisis, and we will always

find ways to work together against corruption, despite all the challenges.”, she concluded her remarks.