Leaders and activists target impunity at the 15th International Anti-Corruption Conference in Brazil

The 15^th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC), a biennial meeting of world leaders, academics and activists, opens in Brasilia today with an urgent call for greater action against corruption around the world at a time when impunity threatens citizens’ trust in institutions.

With the theme “Mobilising people: Connecting agents of change”, this year’s four-day conference will address innovative solutions in over 50 workshop and plenary sessions of how to take the fight against corruption forward in five key areas: ending impunity, clean climate governance, preventing illicit financial flows, political transitions leading to stable and transparent governments and clean sports.

"The central theme of this conference is very relevant", said the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, in her opening speech. “The mobilization of people and the connection of agents of change is essential. Let us follow the example of young people who are mobilizing for their rights and the rights of their communities."

Minister Jorge Hage Sobrinho, Comptroller General of Brazil added: "Corruption is one of the greatest threats to mankind inasmuch as it hampers development, weakens trust, and so democracy, and harms in the most perverse way those who are in most need of State assistance. We are very proud that Brazil was chosen to host this Conference., due to a recognition of the importance we have given to the fight against corruption and of the leadership role Brazil has adopted in this subject."

As the leading forum for all those concerned with governance and anti-corruption, the conference will bring together over 1500 participants, from more than 100 countries, representing government, civil society, multilateral institutions, academia and the business sector. It will provide space for debate and discussions around innovative ideas and anti-corruption tools aiming at taking the fight against corruption to the next level.

"The 15^th International Anti-Corruption Conference promises to be the most effective, the most innovative yet – the best." said Honourable Justice Barry O’Keefe, Chair of the IACC Council. "The cream of the world’s anti-corruption movement has joined together to bring about change for a better world, a world in which corruption is anathema".

Joining forces to fight corruption is especially important in current times, as Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International reminded the audience: "Growing threats and restrictions of civil society space around the world are a source of great concern. Civil society organisations play an essential role in the fight against corruption as they are best suited to give a voice to the victims."

Jorge Sanchez, Chair of Amarribo, Transparency International’s National Contact in Brazil added: "Therefore, the main goal of the conference is to inspire people from all over the world to act against corruption."

This edition of International Anti-Corruption Conference is organised by the IACC Council in cooperation with Transparency International, Amarribo, Instituto Ethos, and is generously hosted by the Government of Brazil and the Office of the Comptroller General of Brazil.

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Transparency International is the civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption

Note to Editors:

The Hon. Justice Barry O’Keefe, Chair of the IACC Council, and Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International, as well as Jorge Sanchez, Chair of Amarribo, are available for interviews throughout the conference.

Selected speakers at the conference are also available for interviews. For a full list of speakers please see http://15iacc.org/programme/speakers

The event will be live streamed, please see http://omniinovacoes.com.br/streaming/index.php

For more details about the event and for media accreditation, please go to www.15iacc.org. Press accreditation will also be available on-site at the conference.