By completing the United Nations Institute for Training and Research's Anticorruption and Sustainable Development course. United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Corruption, I've discovered, stifles long-term development in all countries. The impact of mainstreaming knowledge is a powerful resource for transforming the lives of individuals and societies by addressing its root causes and consequences, as well as finding solutions for prevention, accountability, and redress. Indeed, mainstreaming knowledge about this issue seeks to transform discriminatory social institutions, laws, cultural norms, and community practices, such as those that limit access to property rights or restrict access to public space. In this regard, there is widespread agreement at the international level on the importance of combating and preventing corruption due to its negative and cascading effects on employment, leadership, and decision-making at all levels, among other consequences. As a result, the creation of spaces to raise awareness represents an opportunity to improve capabilities and share best practices in the pursuit of a learning culture.
Although there is no universally accepted definition of corruption at the international level, it is manifested through specific acts enshrined in instruments. Corruption has been identified as a cross-cutting issue with negative consequences for all societies, regardless of their stage of development. It can appear in various forms, impeding sustainable development and thus affecting millions of lives. States require efficient procedures to enforce anti-corruption provisions, such as clarifying the definitions of acts or offenses classified as corruption, imposing harsh penalties, fast-tracking provisions, and restricting the applicability of statutes of limitation on corruption, including the removal of public officials' privileges and immunities.
Adoption of dissuasive criminal and administrative sanctions, including the imposition of a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, is essential for deterring corruption in the private sector. To deter corruption in the private sector, it is also necessary to stabilize and promote clear legislation on fair competition and corporate trade practices. Additionally, awakening consciousness is critical for preventing and building resilient, peaceful, and inclusive societies. As critical elements to embed in governmental programs and policies, this endeavour must be guided by principles such as justice, effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and participation. Finally, anti-corruption should be viewed as a cross-cutting motto for achieving sustainable development in all societies, as it has the potential to change the lives of thousands of people