People around the world are being urged by the UN Secretary-General to help end corruption and to come together for global fairness and equity.
In his message on the International Anti-Corruption Day, observed on 9 December, Ban Ki-moon says the world and its people can no longer afford, nor tolerate, corruption.
Mr Ban says that “corruption is a global phenomenon that strikes hardest at the poor, hinders inclusive economic growth and robs essential services of badly needed funds”.
“From cradle to grave, millions are touched by corruption’s shadow”, the Secretary-General adds.
He once again calls on people everywhere to get involved in the “Breaking the Corruption Chain” campaign spearheaded by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The Secretary-General points out that next year the world will agree on a new post-2015 sustainable development agenda.
He says the aim is to empower individuals and catalyse governments, the private sector and civil society to help lift millions out of poverty, protect the planet and achieve shared prosperity and dignity for all.
Mr Ban stresses that eliminating corruption and its harmful impacts will be crucial to the international community’s future well-being.
Derrick Mbatha, United Nations.
FRENCH VERSION
