Failure to establish such a mechanism this year would be a major setback, undermining the value of the UNCAC and its ability to develop momentum in curbing corruption around the world.

The UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is a comprehensive global treaty providing a framework for collective action against corruption. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2003 and signed by 140 states, it includes provisions calling for government transparency and accountability, for regulation of the private sector and for improved civil society participation. As of April 2009, 133 countries were parties to the Convention.

To support efforts, the UNCAC Coalition has launched a new website. The new site features a main forum and an international section, where forum users can exchange views on all topics. Users can also subscribe to the forum and receive all postings directly in their mailbox. Guest columnists will contribute to the site’s new blog and registered Coalition members can upload UNCAC related documents produced by their organisations. Other resources will also be available, such as the Coalition statement, Transparency International recommendations, press releases and all documentation produced around the Conferences of States Parties.

The UNCAC Coalition is a network of more than 50 civil society organisations (CSOs) established in August 2006, committed to promoting the ratification, implementation and monitoring of the UNCAC. It aims to mobilise broad civil society support for UNCAC and to facilitate strong civil society action at national, regional and international level in support of UNCAC.