NATO Secretary General marks the UN Anti-Corruption Day
NATO is playing its part to strengthen good governance and reduce the risk of corruption in the defence and security sectors. Marking the United Nations Anti-Corruption Day, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: “We have to have a long-term perspective and understand the importance of reform, building institutions and fighting corruption”.
A NATO programme established in 2007 to this end now gathers 31 NATO and partner countries. The Building Integrity programme supports nations in building effective and efficient defence institutions and promotes good working practices. The aim is to strengthen transparency and accountability.
The United Nations General Assembly designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, with the aim to raise awareness of corruption and its impact on society, and to mobilise governments to tackle the problem as a threat to economic development, democracy and stability.
NATO’s Building Integrity programme enhances the understanding of corruption as a threat to peace and stability, including in the context of NATO-led operations and missions. Building Integrity is also part of capacity building efforts led by the Alliance in support of partner countries. The programme is supported by voluntary contributions to a Trust Fund led by Belgium, Bulgaria, Norway, Poland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.