The Second meeting of the G20 Anti-corruption Working Group (ACWG) concluded in Rishikesh, Tehri, after three days of intensive deliberations. The meeting, which was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Defence & Tourism, Shri Ajay Bhatt, saw wide participation from 90 delegates representing 20 member countries, 10 invitee countries, and 9 international organizations including UNODC, OECD, Egmont Group, INTERPOL, and IMF. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Rahul Singh, Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) & Chair, G20 ACWG, and co-chaired by Mr. Giovanni Tartaglia Polcini, Head of Task Force and Co-chair of G20 ACWG, Italy, and Mr. Fabrizio Marcelli, Minister Plenipotentiary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italy.
During the meeting, the delegates engaged in productive discussions on various focal areas related to anti-corruption efforts. These areas included asset recovery, fugitive economic offenders, formal and informal cooperation channels for information sharing, institutional frameworks for combating corruption, and mutual legal assistance. The delegates agreed on three High-Level Principles, namely ‘Promoting Integrity and Effectiveness of Public Bodies and Authorities responsible for Preventing and Combating Corruption,’ ‘Strengthening Law Enforcement-related International Cooperation and Information Sharing for Combating Corruption,’ and ‘Strengthening Asset Recovery Mechanisms related to Corruption.’
A unique Side Event on ‘Gender and Corruption’ was also held on the first day of the ACWG. Honorable Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, delivered the keynote address during this event. National and international experts and practitioners discussed the gendered aspects of corruption, the link between women’s empowerment and anti-corruption initiatives, and the need for gender-sensitive governance and policymaking.
The delegates had the opportunity to experience India’s rich culture, heritage, and cuisine during their stay in Rishikesh. The next ACWG meeting is scheduled to take place in Kolkata from August 9-11, and India will also host the first-ever in-person Anti Corruption Ministerial Meeting to further strengthen the international fight against corruption in line with the G20 agenda.