Latest news with #MinisterialDeclaration

TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Strengthening the global fight against corruption: G20 ACWG meets in Brazil
Brazil's Minister of State for the Office of the Comptroller-General, His Excellency Vinícius Marques de Carvalho, delivered the keynote address, stressing the significance of inclusive approaches in anti-corruption efforts. He underscored the complex nature of corruption, requiring diverse perspectives and expertise. Carvalho called for a multi-agency strategy, urging the involvement of civil society, academia, and the private sector in shaping effective anti-corruption policies. At the heart of the meeting were the discussions of the draft G20 High-Level Principles on the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets. These draft principles aim to provide a framework for G20 countries to manage seized assets, closing gaps identified by the ACWG to strengthen asset recovery. The group also considered the Zero Draft Ministerial Declaration, encapsulating the commitment of G20 countries to address corruption through prevention. This draft will be presented for adoption at the ACWG Ministerial Meeting to be held in Mpumalanga in October 2025. In addition to the main sessions, a side event — co-hosted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) — was held on measuring integrity in public procurement, exploring challenges in quantifying corruption, and the need for evidence-based methodologies. The UNDP announced that it was establishing a framework for measuring integrity, collecting data from 60 countries by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to provide objective tools to gauge the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. Another side event — co-hosted by EL PACTO 2.0, a partnership with the EU focused on justice and security — was held to address the preventive dimension in the fight against corruption and new forms of organised crime. The G20 ACWG and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Working Group on Bribery held a joint meeting aimed at supporting the shared commitment to combatting the bribery of foreign public officials in international transactions. The second G20 ACWG meeting provided an opportunity for delegates to exchange views, share experiences, and deepen understanding of the evolving challenges and opportunities in the fight against corruption through the lens of the SA presidency's theme of 'Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability'. The ACWG acknowledged that there remained considerable work ahead to fully realise the deliverables committed to at the start of the year, including timely responses to the questionnaires, substantive inputs towards the draft Ministerial Declaration, and the High-Level Principles on the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets. Through these efforts, the G20 ACWG seeks to instil confidence in its commitment to combatting corruption and promoting sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for all. As SA and Brazil lead this charge, the hope is that the momentum generated from this meeting will translate into tangible actions that resonate beyond borders, creating a global environment where corruption has no place.


Dubai Eye
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
UAE secures seat on UN narcotics commission representing Asia-Pacific
The UAE was selected as a representative for the Asia-Pacific Group for the 2026-2029 United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) term on Saturday. The UAE joins Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan as the Asia-Pacific Group's representatives on the Commission, a key subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The election took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, where new members were voted in for this central policymaking body within the United Nations system. Established under a resolution by ECOSOC, the CND is the primary forum for shaping global drug policy. It holds critical responsibilities under various international drug control conventions, including overseeing the implementation of treaties and guiding international collaboration in addressing drug-related challenges. Membership allows the UAE to play an active role in shaping international drug policies—proposing, contributing to, and voting on resolutions and frameworks. It also underscores the country's growing stature in the global arena and its commitment to enhancing international security, combating the illegal spread of narcotics, and helping maintain a balanced global approach to drug supply and demand. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs was established by ECOSOC Resolution No. 9 (1946) to assist in monitoring the implementation of international drug control treaties. In 1991, the UN General Assembly broadened its mandate to also serve as the governing body of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Commission's agenda consists of both normative, treaty-based elements and operational components. It meets annually to adopt resolutions that shape international drug control efforts. A major milestone came in 2019 when the Commission adopted the Ministerial Declaration on Strengthening Action at National, Regional, and International Levels to Accelerate the Implementation of Joint Commitments to Combat the World Drug Problem. Under this declaration, member states committed to reviewing progress by 2029, with a midterm review conducted in 2024. Actively implementing the 2019 declaration, the Commission continues to review global trends in drug supply and demand, adopt resolutions, and lead the formulation of policies and action plans. Its work is vital in developing a balanced, integrated global strategy to counter the world drug problem and safeguard communities.


TAG 91.1
06-04-2025
- Politics
- TAG 91.1
UAE secures seat on UN narcotics commission representing Asia-Pacific
The UAE was selected as a representative for the Asia-Pacific Group for the 2026-2029 United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) term on Saturday. The UAE joins Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan as the Asia-Pacific Group's representatives on the Commission, a key subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The election took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, where new members were voted in for this central policymaking body within the United Nations system. Established under a resolution by ECOSOC, the CND is the primary forum for shaping global drug policy. It holds critical responsibilities under various international drug control conventions, including overseeing the implementation of treaties and guiding international collaboration in addressing drug-related challenges. Membership allows the UAE to play an active role in shaping international drug policies—proposing, contributing to, and voting on resolutions and frameworks. It also underscores the country's growing stature in the global arena and its commitment to enhancing international security, combating the illegal spread of narcotics, and helping maintain a balanced global approach to drug supply and demand. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs was established by ECOSOC Resolution No. 9 (1946) to assist in monitoring the implementation of international drug control treaties. In 1991, the UN General Assembly broadened its mandate to also serve as the governing body of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Commission's agenda consists of both normative, treaty-based elements and operational components. It meets annually to adopt resolutions that shape international drug control efforts. A major milestone came in 2019 when the Commission adopted the Ministerial Declaration on Strengthening Action at National, Regional, and International Levels to Accelerate the Implementation of Joint Commitments to Combat the World Drug Problem. Under this declaration, member states committed to reviewing progress by 2029, with a midterm review conducted in 2024. Actively implementing the 2019 declaration, the Commission continues to review global trends in drug supply and demand, adopt resolutions, and lead the formulation of policies and action plans. Its work is vital in developing a balanced, integrated global strategy to counter the world drug problem and safeguard communities.


Arab Times
13-03-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait affirms commitment to combating drug abuse at UN session
VIENNA, March 13: Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to combating the drug scourge through an integrated approach that combines strict legislation with preventive and therapeutic programs, as well as strengthening international cooperation to address cross-border challenges. This statement was delivered by Third Secretary Rehab Al-Farhan, a member of the Permanent Mission of the State of Kuwait to Vienna, at the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Al-Farhan highlighted Kuwait's adherence to the recommendations made during the 67th session of the Commission, which conducted a mid-term review for the year 2024. She also emphasized the country's dedication to implementing all commitments from the 2019 Ministerial Declaration at national, regional, and international levels to address the global drug problem. She explained that Kuwait has adopted a comprehensive approach that combines stringent legislation, preventive and therapeutic programs, and enhanced international cooperation to tackle cross-border drug challenges. She emphasized that Kuwait's security agencies, supported by relevant institutions, are following best practices in monitoring and prosecuting drug traffickers. Despite being a target for drug dealers, Kuwait has seen a positive impact in the form of high rates of seizures and prosecutions. Al-Farhan also noted that Kuwait places significant focus on the health and psychological care of drug addicts. Specialized treatment institutions offer rehabilitation programs for those seeking recovery and reintegration into society. She pointed out the opening of a new addiction treatment center last month, with a capacity of 200 beds, as a testament to the country's commitment to combating drugs and supporting those affected by them. Al-Farhan underscored the importance of awareness and prevention. She stressed that proper upbringing begins in the family and school, and in line with this, Kuwait has launched awareness programs and activities in schools and universities. The government has also implemented targeted advertising campaigns in collaboration with private sector institutions and civil society organizations.