Corruption Costs Lives, Livelihoods: Why UN Summit Matters

Young Nepalis protesting against endemic corruption in the capital Kathmandu earlier this year. Security forces responded with a violent crackdown, leaving more than 50 people dead in the ensuing crisis.

Last year, one in five people who dealt with a public official were asked to pay a bribe, according to a UN report. This week, the global community is taking action.

Heads of state, civil society representatives and private sector leaders are meeting in Doha, Qatar, for a UN anti-corruption conference (COSP11) to discuss the most pressing challenges surrounding corruption and how to tackle the scourge.

“When corruption infects the legal system, cases are mishandled, justice is delayed or denied, and victims are silenced,” General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said at the opening of the conference.

What Is COSP?

Taking place from December 15 to 19, COSP is the world’s largest international gathering dedicated to combating corruption and economic crime.

It is the main decision-making body of the UN Convention against Corruption—the only legally binding universal anti-corruption treaty.

This session, titled Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity, will address the role of artificial intelligence and new technologies in responding to the realities of today’s complex crime patterns.

The links between corruption and financial and organised crime will also be in focus, along with measures countries can take to improve transparency in public financial systems and strengthen anti-corruption efforts in the private sector.

Technology Can Help or Harm

“The swift advance of technology presents corrupt actors with new tools to hide assets, forge documents and move between jurisdictions,” cautioned John Brandolino, acting executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

He noted, however, that technology can also be a “transformative” force in the fight against corruption, particularly by supporting investigations.

“Governments need to focus on reaping the benefits of innovative solutions,” Brandolino said, adding that such technologies must respect human rights and close loopholes that allow criminals to misuse digital tools.

Why COSP Matters

Corruption deprives people of basic needs such as education, healthcare, clean water and infrastructure.

The conference aims to turn international commitments into action by evaluating how countries implement the anti-corruption treaty and by strengthening cross-border cooperation.

COSP decisions have already led to tangible results, including the creation of a peer review mechanism that has helped 146 countries improve their anti-corruption laws and policies.

“Shaping tomorrow’s integrity is about protecting people from exploitation by crime and corruption,” Brandolino said. “It is also about safeguarding our shared aspirations for the future.”