Switzerland takes part in G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting in India
Bern, 12.08.2023 - Switzerland has taken part in this year's G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) ministerial meeting at the invitation of the Indian G20 presidency for 2023. The meeting, which took place on 12 August 2023, has allowed Switzerland to contribute to the development of international guidance and share its experience on anti-corruption.
This year's ACWG ministerial meeting organised by the Indian G20 presidency took place in Kolkata on 12 August. The Swiss delegation was led by Ambassador Alexandra Baumann, who heads the FDFA's Prosperity and Sustainability Division at the State Secretariat as well as the Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG) on Combating Corruption. The Federal Council conferred the title of state secretary to Ms Baumann for this function. This is the ninth time that Switzerland has taken part in the ACWG as a guest country.
At this year's ministerial meeting, three G20 High-Level Principles were adopted: enhancing international law enforcement cooperation and information exchange, strengthening asset recovery mechanisms, and promoting the integrity and efficiency of public offices and authorities responsible for preventing and combating corruption.
Switzerland's commitment to linking anti-corruption and human rights
In its statement, Switzerland reiterated its commitment to prosecuting cases of corruption and highlighted its cooperation in stolen asset recovery and restitution. It emphasised the accountability of governments towards their citizens and stressed the importance of cooperating closely with civil society on anti-corruption both at home and abroad.
The ACWG meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, with Switzerland pointing out the importance of coordinating reconstruction efforts at international level in order to prevent corruption during the recovery process. This can only be achieved if the donor countries engaged in anti-corruption measures cooperate closely.
As the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions and as the seat of the UN Human Rights Council, Switzerland also called for better coordination of anti-corruption and human rights instruments. To this end Switzerland will be supporting partner events on anti-corruption at the 10th Conference of the States Parties (COSP) to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), being held from 11–15 December 2023 in Atlanta, United States.
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