Doha, capital of Qatar UN Anti-Corruption Conference: AI as a tool against economic crimes International Law
The world’s largest anti-corruption conference kicked off today in Doha, Qatar, calling for the use of new technologies in the fight against corruption, as well as focusing on its links to organized crime and other illegal activities. More than 2,500 delegates from 170 states are participating in the 11th session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption.
“Preventing and ultimately eradicating corruption is our common responsibility,” said the President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, in a video message to the participants of the event.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in turn, emphasized that corruption is not a crime without casualties.
“It fuels conflict, perpetuates inequality and deprives the world of the resources it needs to protect people and the planet,” he said. “Every dollar lost to economic crime is a dollar stolen from those striving for a better future.”
New technologies, including artificial intelligence, can both be used by criminals and help identify and prevent violations, the UN chief says.
“However, this requires regulation and accountability,” he stressed.
Acting head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brandolino, noted that corruption creates “an illegal infrastructure that allows criminal groups to continue to operate and profit with impunity around the world.” According to him, an integrated and coordinated approach is needed, in which departments can work in different sectors and countries. Brandolino called on participating States to make full use of UNODC initiatives and tools in the fight against corruption.
The draft resolutions being considered by States Parties address, inter alia, the role of artificial intelligence in preventing and combating corruption, educating children and youth with honesty and integrity, increasing transparency in the financing of political parties and election campaigns, and examining how corruption contributes to other abuses, including migrant smuggling and environmental crimes.
UN Convention v. corruption
The UN Convention against Corruption is the only legally binding international treaty in this area. It came into force in December 2005. With 192 States parties, it is virtually universal.
Under the Convention, countries are required to prevent and prosecute corruption, promote international cooperation to combat it, ensure the return of stolen assets, and strengthen technical assistance and information exchange in the public and private sectors.
Through mechanisms As part of the agreement, 146 countries have updated or adopted anti-corruption laws and policies since 2010. UNODC helps countries implement concrete reforms to protect public resources, improve transparency, promote integrity and sustainable development.
The Conference of States Parties is the main decision-making forum under the Convention. It meets every two years to support the implementation of commitments and determine the direction of global anti-corruption policy.