10:30 - 12:00
14:00 - 15:30
15:45 - 17:30
SPECIAL PLENARY SESSION: GLOBAL SOLUTIONS AGAINST CORRUPTION
MOBILISING PEOPLE: CONNECTING AGENTS OF CHANGE. ARE WE READY?
ENDING IMPUNITY: ARE WE ANY CLOSER?
THE IACC TODAY WED07NOV2012 ISSUE01
THE 15TH INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE NEWSPAPER
WWW.15IACC.ORG
© JAIRO BD
WELCOME: THE 15TH IACC BEGINS “Empowered people create change. We recognise that involving people needs time, fresh new ideas and a vibrant civil space. Our role should be to support the people who are willing to change the rules of the game.” It is with these words that we concluded the 14th IACC in Bangkok and so it is fitting for us to reflect on them as we meet for this conference in Brasília under the banner of “Mobilising People: Connecting Agents of Change”.
At the 15th IACC we are set to fulfil this important role. Heads of state, civil society, academics, journalists, business and government representatives have all come together. Our backgrounds might be diverse, but we are united by a common goal: stopping corruption. We have come from more than 130 countries to ensure power fuelled by corruption will no longer harm our societies. We are not alone in this undertaking. A range of special initiatives will make the 15th IACC the most participatory and change-driven yet. Students from around the world will be watching the plenary sessions from their universities and joining in our discussions. Young journalists will carry the messages of the 15th IACC beyond the conference venue through video and social media, while fellowships will enable investigative journalists to uncover webs of corruption in their countries. Information communication specialists will team up to develop technical solutions to corruption challenges in our first hackathon. The winners of our Social Entrepreneurs competition will also be announced. They will receive mini-grants to carry out their promising anticorruption projects.
As we work together to make the 15th IACC the most successful yet, I would like to thank the Brazilian Office of the Comptroller General and the Brazilian government for hosting the conference; AMARRIBO Brazil, Instituto Ethos, Transparency International and the members of the IACC Council for their hard work and dedication; and the people of Brasília for their warm welcome.
Hon. Justice Barry O’Keefe Chair, IACC Council
Q&A
MINISTER JORGE HAGE SOBRINHO Head of the Office of the Comptroller General, Brazil
How can we make corruption unacceptable? "Corruption will cease being acceptable when transparency and trust become the status quo. It's only after we get to know someone's record and incentives over a significant period of time that we can confidently put our trust in them. True transparency enables us to stimulate this trust-building process, thereby building confidence in public servants and corporations and hastening the end of corruption." Jimmy Chalk, United States, Video/photographer "Without realising that human rights are essential for every citizen, the culture of corruption will continue to spread unabated. It is impingent upon societies to actively take part in awareness-raising and change behaviour to allow citizens to express their views freely. Further, monitoring systems -whether legislative or citizen-based - must be strengthened to prevent the various types of corruption. In short, corruption is unacceptable anyway!" Areej Mawasi, Palestine Blogger "People need to see exactly how corruption impacts their daily lives. We heard of one family who put together a “bribe journal” recording every single bribe they paid. At the end of the year, they realised it came to almost 10% of their family income. For them, this is when corruption became unacceptable." Milena Marin, Romania Transparency International
STORIES THAT MATTER: THE IACC CINEMA Nothing communicates the urgency of tackling corruption better than the candid stories of those on the front lines: citizens, activists and journalists. These stories, with their successes and heartbreak, remind us what this is all about: human beings fighting for a future that is more just. In this spirit we have compiled a collection of documentary films that illuminate all aspects of corruption, from investigating into illicit capital flows (“Black Money”, “Filthy Rich”) to the unfathomable horror of the drug trade in Central America (“Rapido y Furioso”, “Reportero”). We look forward to welcoming you at the IACC Cinema!
© DL Photo
“Corruption is not a challenge to be tackled by one side only; it is a multi-faceted phenomenon.” The Brazilian government has put fighting corruption high on the agenda in 2012. What are the country’s anti-corruption priorities for the coming year? We will continue to place measures to prevent and fight corruption very high on the agenda in 2013. That is the clear directive we have from President Dilma Rousseff. We will maintain our intense and strong pace in promoting transparency in all public activities, more and more access to information, and civic participation. We will also keep up our engagement with the different multilateral anti-corruption forums, like the UN Convention against Corruption and the Open Government Partnership, in order to keep refining our skills and tools to address, always more
effectively, this global challenge. One key area will be the implementation of the recently enacted Access to Information Law. Earlier this year Brazil passed an access to information law. What significance does the legislation have for the government and what have been the results so far? It is a milestone in the consolidation of our democratic process. That’s why it has been highly prioritised in the government’s agenda. And the results have already been most positive and exciting. In less than six months of implementation, we have already received almost 40,000 information requests. Out of these, over 93% of the requests have already received a response, and 85% of which were done in a positive way, meaning that the citizen received all the information he or she was seeking. The rate of appeals is under 6%, which means a very high level of satisfaction. And thanks to the online system to request information, the average response time has been only 10 days. By law, the government could have up to 30 days to respond to a request. Thousands of Brazilians took to the streets in 2011 in support of zero tolerance for corruption. What role do you think citizens can play in fighting corruption? Corruption is not a challenge to be tackled by one side only; it is a multi-faceted phenomenon. It asks for the engagement of all sectors of society, including the private sector, civil society and citizens in general. That is the reason why we put so much emphasis on transparency measures. It is because we believe that citizens have to participate in this effort, which is only possible if you grant them information and transparency. As such, we think it was very fortunate that the 15th IACC has public mobilisation as its central theme.
“En route to @15iacc in Brazil. Excited 2 meet corruption fighters fr around the world” #15iacc - @ryhicks - Ryan Hicks
TODAY
FIGHT CORRUPTION
18:00-20:00
Online tools and best practices It’s been almost five years since a group of Kenyan developers combined Google maps with mobile technology to create “Ushahidi” – an innovative geo-mapping platform that changed the nature of citizen monitoring. Half a decade on, this is just one of a multitude of technological innovations that are bringing wide-scale people engagement to the fight against corruption. So what have we learnt, and where are we going next? From digital literacy to online privacy, this session will gather leading experts from the world of online activism – including the makers of Ushahidi – to discuss experiences, best practices and plans for the future.
MOBILISING PEOPLE
Connecting agents for change in the oil and mining sectors Too often revenue from oil and mining is squandered, failing to bring benefits to its owners, the citizens. Secrecy has often led to corruption, inefficiency and a lack of accountability. Mistrust has followed. Efforts to bring greater transparency to the sector have resulted in voluntary standards such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and recent listing requirements in the United States. Join this session to take stock of key developments around the world and to find out how citizens are becoming a powerful agent of change in the sector.
TODAY'S PLENARIES: IN BRIEF
14:00 - 15:30 MOBILISING PEOPLE: CONNECTING AGENTS OF CHANGE. ARE WE READY?
HUGUETTE LABELLE Chair, Transparency International
15:45 - 17:30 ENDING IMPUNITY: ARE WE ANY CLOSER?
MOBILISING PEOPLE:
ENDING IMPUNITY:
Fighting corruption requires more than research and tools – it needs empowered citizens to stand up and demand change. In recent years, the numbers have multiplied. Millions took to the streets to demonstrate against corruption. Others are using technology to find new ways of holding leaders to account. If corruption ever looked unchallengeable, it doesn't now.
It’s a two-way process. Corruption creates a climate of impunity: where laws are applied according to privilege or connection, rather than judicial reasoning, those with power can escape justice - often for grave violations of human rights. In turn, impunity fosters a culture of corruption: if the rule of law is not respected, embezzlement and bribery can flourish.
HOW IS THE GAME CHANGING?
THE CORRUPTION PROBLEM
70%
More than believe ordinary people can make a difference in the fight against corruption.4
One-third of the world’s population is online.5
6 billion
Almost mobile phones are currently in use worldwide.6
Corruption was the world’s most talked about issue in 2010 and 2011.
7
2002. The International Criminal Court comes into force.
164 countries are party to the UN Convention against Corruption.
1 in 4 business people say corruption goes unpunished.1
46% think the judiciary in their country is corrupt or extremely corrupt.2
75% of business people can imagine getting
583 journalists killed since 1992 with
Transparency International. 5International Telecommunication Union. 6International Telecommunication Union. 7BBC. 8 Transparency International.
1
involved in the fight against corruption.
8
4
complete impunity.3
Transparency International. 2Transparency International. Committee to Protect Journalists.
3
THE IACC: WHERE WE COME FROM More than 1,500 participants More than 130 countries
© Tuba Zoltán
What has happened in the fight against corruption since the 2010 IACC in Bangkok? When we met two years ago against the backdrop of a rising financial crisis, restoring public trust was an imperative. Since then, we have seen the consequences of abused power countless times. From the Arab Spring to the Indian Summer to the Occupy Movement – there were many causes behind these demonstrations, but public frustration at corruption and unaccountable leadership was a common thread throughout. As leaders seek to regain public trust, and countries work to recover stability, the values we have long fought for – transparency, accountability, integrity – are more important than ever. Today’s leaders increasingly recognise the importance of transparent and open governance, and citizens are increasingly ready to hold them to their promises. Thanks to rapid developments in technology, the opportunities for public accountability are multiplying. I look forward in the coming days to hearing more from those who are helping leaders and citizens harness this readiness for action. The theme of this year's IACC focuses on mobilising people and connecting agents of change. How does this relate to Transparency International's work? It is at the heart of everything we do. Transparency International was founded on the belief that lasting solutions to corruption can be found if people work together. As we approach our 20th anniversary, this conviction holds firm. Whether at a global, national or local level, we work to bring people around one table – government, business, civil society and local communities. Everyone should be able to speak out against the injustice of corruption. Our anti-corruption legal advice centres, for example, offer free help and guidance to victims of corruption in almost 60 countries. To date, more than 140,000 citizens have visited one of our centres. By working with governments and businesses to design better policies and practices, the centres have built on these individual victories to create societal change. We are also supporting those who will lead change tomorrow. From integrity summer schools for future leaders, to hackathons in cities around the world - we are working to foster the creativity, energy and dedication of those who will take our vision forward into the next generation. If you had one message for the participants of this year’s conference, what would it be?
Top 10 countries according to number of participants: Brazil, USA, Nigeria, Germany, Indonesia, Ghana, UK, Canada, Norway, Argentina
We have come together this week from more than 130 different countries, from many walks of life, around one question: how can we end the devastating effects of corruption around the world? We have made much progress, but there remains much to be done. Corruption continues to cost people their dignity, their basic rights, even their lives - and all too often, those responsible go unpunished. There can be no impunity for the corrupt, no safe havens, no exceptions to the law. Until this is achieved, our fight must continue.
EVENING EVENT
DID YOU KNOW? FUN FACTS ABOUT BRAZIL Brazil is considered to have the greatest biodiversity of any country on the planet.
Brazil has won the soccer World Cup five times, more than any other nation.
New 7 Wonders of the World, Christ the
20:00 - 24:00 Welcome cocktail The conference theme says it all – this IACC is about connecting people, and making change happen. As the sun sets on the first day of the conference, head down to the welcome cocktails to connect with some of the 1,500 delegates that make up the 15th IACC community. With participants joining us from more than 130 different countries around the world, this is a prime opportunity to expand your global network - and the drinks shouldn’t disappoint either. Saude!
Brazil is the longest country in the world, stretching approximately 4,390 km from north to south.
Brazil is home to one of the
Brazil is one of the world’s leading producers of
HOW DO YOU SAY...?
hydroelectric power.
Redeemer statue, located in Rio De Janeiro.
DON'T MISS!
Hello - Oi THE
CORRUPTION CROSSWORD
Goodbye - Tchau 7
Yes - Sim No - Não Good morning - Bom dia
1
Good afternoon - Boa tarde Good evening - Boa noite Good night - Boa noite
2
Thank you - Obrigada (women say), Obrigado (men say)
8 3/6
Many thanks - Muito obrigada Please - Por favor
4
You’re welcome - Denada My name is... - Meu nome é...
5
Where is the... (toilet) - Onde fica o... (banheiro) How do I get to... (the station) - Como eu chego na .. (estaçao) Can you help me? - Voce pode me ajudar por favor? How much does this cost? - Quanto custa isso?
ACROSS
DOWN
1) The right by law — often through freedom of information legislation (acts or laws) — to access key facts and data from the government and any public body. (6-2-11)
6) A secret agreement between parties, in the public and/or private sector, to conspire to commit actions aimed to deceive or commit fraud with the objective of illicit financial gain. (9)
2) Any activity carried out to influence a government or institution’s policies and decisions in favour of a specific cause or outcome. (8)
7) The process of concealing the origin, ownership or destination of illegally or dishonestly obtained money by hiding it within legitimate economic activities. (5-10)
3) The abuse of entrusted power for private gain. (10)
8) The location of the first IACC. (4-4)
4) An internal or external examination of an organisation’s accounts, processes, functions and performance. (5)
BRAZILIAN SAYING OF THE DAY Agua mole em pedra dura tanto bate ate que fura. If the water hits a rock many times it will eventually make a hole.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
5) The term to describe the practice when an individual moves back and forth between public office and private companies, exploiting his/her period of government service for the benefit of the companies they used to regulate. (9-4)
Ambulance - 192
Federal Police - 194
Fire department - 193
Civil Police - 197
Answers: 1) Access to information 2) Lobbying 3) Corruption 4) Audit 5) Revolving door 6) Collusion 7) Money laundering 8) Hong Kong
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