The second meeting of the G20 anti-corruption working group, inaugurated on May 25 by the Union Minister of State for Defense and Tourism, Shri Ajay Bhatt, concluded today in Rishikesh (Tehri).
The meeting had a large participation of 90 delegates from 20 member countries, 10 invited countries and 9 international organizations including UNODC, OECD, Egmont Group, INTERPOL and IMF. It was chaired by Rahul Singh, Deputy Secretary, DoPT & Chair, G20 ACWG and co-chaired by Giovanni Tartaglia Polcini, Head of Task Force, Co-chair, G20 ACWG, Italy and Fabrizio Marcelli, Minister Plenipotentiary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation International, Italy.
Over the past three days, there have been intense and productive deliberations on several key focal areas related to asset recovery, fugitive economic offenders, formal and informal channels of cooperation for information sharing, institutional frameworks for anti-corruption and mutual legal assistance, among others. Delegates agreed on the three High-Level Principles on “Promoting the integrity and effectiveness of public bodies and authorities responsible for preventing and fighting corruption”; “Strengthening International Law Enforcement Cooperation and Information Sharing to Fight Corruption” and “Strengthening Corruption-Related Asset Recovery Mechanisms”.
A unique side event on “Gender and Corruption” was held on the first day of the ACWG. Honorable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Culture, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi delivered the keynote speech. During this event, national and international experts and practitioners deliberated on the gendered aspects of corruption, the ways in which women’s empowerment is intrinsically linked to anti-corruption initiatives, and the need for gender-sensitive governance and decision-making.
Delegates got a taste of India’s rich culture, heritage and cuisine during their stay in Rishikesh. India looks forward to hosting delegates again in Kolkata from 9 to 11 August for the third meeting of the ACWG. India will also host the first in-person anti-corruption ministerial meeting to give further impetus to the G20 agenda to strengthen the international fight against corruption.