Advancing the Anti-corruption cause through International Cooperation: lessons from the Hong Kong experience

Corruption remains a significant challenge to the stability, development, and well-being of jurisdictions worldwide. To address this issue, the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the sole legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument, promotes cooperation among its signatories to combat this transnational crime. Over the past two decades, experience-sharing and capacity-building have emerged as effective approaches in international anti-corruption efforts, allowing jurisdictions to learn from each other’s successes and enhance their capabilities. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, stands out as a model for fostering international cooperation. Leveraging its successful 50-year experience in curbing corruption, the ICAC contributes to advancing global anti-corruption collaboration by adhering to the principles of “inclusive dialogue”, “collective efforts”, and “shared benefits”. In establishing capacity-building cooperation with partner agencies, the ICAC adopts the principle of “inclusive dialogue”, engaging in in-depth discussions to tailor training programs that address specific capacity gaps while considering unique cultural, political, and legal characteristics. Under the principle of collective efforts, the ICAC actively engages in international anti-corruption affairs and currently holds the presidency of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities. This commitment demonstrates their dedication to promoting the effective implementation of the Convention and strengthening global anti-corruption efforts. By embracing the principle of shared benefits, the ICAC has established the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption, serving as a strategic, institutionalized platform for delivering professional training programs to graft fighters from diverse regions. These efforts contribute to a more transparent, accountable, and corruption-free world.