Latest news with #Declaration
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
From Declaration to Action: Advancing Global Graft Fight under IAACA Steer
HONG KONG, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In May last year, the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), a 180-member-strong international anti-corruption organization currently headed by Danny Woo Ying-ming, Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, China adopted the "Hong Kong Declaration on Strengthening International Cooperation in Preventing and Fighting Corruption" (the Declaration). The Declaration outlines four key areas in which anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) are encouraged to strengthen their efforts: international collaboration, capacity building, public engagement as well as research and development. Over the past year, ACAs around the world has significantly advanced their efforts in the aforesaid areas. At the IAACA Executive Committee meeting chaired by the ICAC in May this year, IAACA Executive Committee members updated each other on their respective accomplishments since the adoption of the Declaration. "The first anniversary of the Declaration is a pivotal milestone which underscores the collective commitment of IAACA members. Members' achievements and contributions highlight the significant strides made in combating and preventing corruption globally since the adoption of the Hong Kong Declaration," Hong Kong ICAC Commissioner and IAACA President Danny Woo Ying-ming said. In the past year, many ACAs have strengthened cooperation in criminal matters such as assisting other jurisdictions in preventing and detecting the transfer of corruption proceeds, recovering illicit assets, and denying safe havens to fugitives. Individual ACAs also entered into memoranda of understanding with various counterparts to enhance anti-corruption cooperation for investigations, prosecutions, etc. ICAC, for example, has signed MOUs with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and anti-corruption agencies from seven countries. Another effective initiative for international collaboration was the strong partnership and active participation in global international organisations and platforms. Beyond IAACA, ACAs have worked closely together through initiatives such as the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network), ASEAN Parties Against Corruption, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, European Contact-Point Network against Corruption, G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, etc. During the year, ACAs attended various events hosted by these international organisations around the world and took the opportunities to exchange graft-fighting knowledge, experience and insights. Capacity building is another pillar of the Declaration. It calls on ACAs to assist other jurisdictions to enhance anti-corruption capacity through trainings, exchanges, workshops as well as partnership projects. In this aspect, the Hong Kong ICAC launched the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption in 2024 and conducted over 30 international training programmes, benefitting more than 2,600 participants from over 70 countries. The anti-corruption academies in the Special Investigating Unit of South Africa, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission of Malaysia and the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of Saudi Arabia also provided training programmes to assist other jurisdictions in enhancing anti-corruption capacities. ACAs, under the Hong Kong Declaration, have also implemented diverse strategies to engage the society in fighting corruption, enhance public awareness and promote workplace integrity. Different awareness-raising campaigns organized by ACAs through social media publicity, online activities, school campaigns, large-scale anti-corruption events for citizens had effectively encouraged a culture of integrity and legality. In 2024, marking its 50th anniversary, ICAC hosted community events, unveiled Café "1974", renovated its exhibition hall with interactive exhibits, and conducted multimedia campaigns that amassed 27 million online views. The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Brunei Darussalam has trained public officers as anti-corruption ambassadors to educate colleagues and provide guidance. The Corruption Practices Investigation Bureau of Singapore has developed teaching kits and books for teenagers, and launched the Anti-Corruption Badge Programme for uniformed groups. The Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius has also introduced the secondary school campaign to encourage youth engagement in financial crime prevention. The Hong Kong Declaration also advocates the development of methodologies and indicators to measure corruption risks and trends. For example, the National Transparency Authority of Greece conducted a nationwide public opinion survey to collect qualitative and quantitative insights on corruption experiences, informing evidence-based policy decisions. Similarly, the Integrity Authority of Hungary is developing a methodology to measure corruption among the Hungarian population. In Italy, the National Anti-Corruption Authority has developed 70 risk indicators and is refining its ability to predict potential corruption by integrating statistical-econometric models and machine-learning techniques and extending the system to other databases. In addition, to strengthen investigative and preventive measures, ACAs had integrated advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, in their initiatives. In Hong Kong, ICAC has developed AI-powered tools to assist officers in formulating corruption prevention advice based on corruption prevention reports, consultations, and publications. These tools also provide real-time guidance to the public and answer inquiries about ICAC and anti-corruption laws. Countries such as Italy, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia had also established digital systems for public procurement and contract management. "Efforts by IAACA members have not only reinforced their collective commitment but also facilitated the exchange of valuable experiences and best practices across diverse regions and organizations. Those collaborative initiatives align with the Hong Kong Declaration and are essential for ensuring the long-term effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, ultimately cultivating a global culture of integrity and good governance," Mr Woo said. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tajikistan and UAE united in climate push as Dushanbe hosts glacier summit
29 May 2025 15:34 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Tajikistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Ashrafjon Gulov, said that the partnership between the UAE and Tajikistan is becoming a driving force for climate and water diplomacy, as Dushanbe is preparing to host a major international summit on glacier preservation.'When it comes to the water and climate partnership, Tajikistan and the UAE have a common vision in the international arena,' Gulov told Aletihad in an said that the UAE's growing role and experience in shaping global climate policies will be a key asset in achieving the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration. The Declaration is set to launch during the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation, which kicked off in Dushanbe today and runs until June 1.'The UAE's enriched experience will significantly contribute to the advancement of the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration, taking into account the country being recognised as a global partner in climate-forward policy, a host of COP28, and a significant global investor in sustainable energy.'Gulov also highlighted the Emirates Polar Programme, which supports scientific research and exploration to address global challenges, and the UAE's role as host of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), describing both as examples of the country's commitment to sustainability and shared vision has translated into a series of high-level engagements, with the Ambassador pointing out Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon's participation in COP28 in Dubai, the visit of UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna Al Dahak, to the Dushanbe Water Conference in June 2024, and the joint hosting of a High-Level Event on Glaciers' Preservation by both countries at COP29 in efforts will continue into this week's Dushanbe summit, held as part of the UN-declared International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. According to the Ambassador, the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation seeks to bring global attention to the urgent need to protect glaciers as essential sources of water, energy, and food security.'By raising the need for glacier preservation, the Conference aims to align glacier preservation efforts with global goals for water availability, energy, and food security,' Gulov explained, adding that it will also focus on mobilising financial and technical resources to support the resilience of mountain communities and the sustainability of ecosystems conference also marks a culmination of Tajikistan's long-running advocacy to put water and climate at the centre of international diplomacy. Ambassador Gulov recalled that President Emomali Rahmon has led several initiatives adopted by the UN between 1999 and 2025, including the International Year for Fresh Water, the Water for Life Decade, the International Year of Water Cooperation, and the current Water for Sustainable Development Decade. The country has also championed the Dushanbe Water Process and launched the UN Groups of Friends on Water and Glaciers, with the goal of building lasting international momentum and coalitions around the protection of these critical home to 60% of Central Asia's water resources, is already witnessing the impact of glacial retreat. Over 1,300 of the country's 14,000 glaciers have disappeared, while the iconic Fedchenko Glacier has shrunk by 44 square kilometres. According to UNEP, more than half of Central Asia's glaciers could vanish by 2050, putting over 64 million people at said the conference will focus not only on scientific solutions like glacier monitoring, remote sensing, and engineering, but also on practical adaptation measures, including sustainable water management and terrace farming.'Sustainable agriculture can help protect mountain ecosystems. Among other practices, terrace farming, tailored to mountainous terrain, improves water management, reduces soil erosion, and preserves cultural heritage. Sustainable agriculture and water management, agri-food systems can help adapt to the climate crisis and increase livelihood resilience.'According to Gulov, concrete outcomes of the conference will include the Dushanbe Declaration on Glaciers, the Dushanbe Appeal, the launch of a Glacier Preservation Coalition, and new public-private partnerships to support climate-resilient infrastructure. The results will be carried into COP30 and the UN High-Level Political on the outcomes of the summit, the UAE and Tajikistan plan to present a united front at COP30, the Ambassador said, calling for the integration of glacier preservation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), increased climate finance for glacier-dependent regions, and the formal recognition of cryosphere issues within UNFCCC processes.'By presenting a united front at COP30, the UAE and Tajikistan could elevate the discourse on glacier preservation, ensuring it becomes a central component of global climate action,' he added. The partnership is also looking beyond COP30. Tajikistan and the UAE are collaborating closely in preparation for the 3rd UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host with Senegal in 2026. Gulov said both countries intend to keep climate and water at the core of their joint diplomatic efforts.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Cove water main break leads to Disaster Declaration
COPPERAS COVE, Texas (FOX 44) – A Declaration of Local Disaster and an Order for Stage 4B Implementation has been issued after a water main break in Copperas Cove. The city says a public notice was released on May 1, announcing a pending temporary upgrade to Stage 4 Water Conservation in support of WCID 1's construction projects. The planned construction dates were confirmed for May 26-30, and the city has been preparing and publishing public notices for customer notifications. However, the city says its water system has suffered a water main break on one of its main transmission lines prior to the scheduled WCID 1 event. This is compromising the water system's ability to meet customer demand while the line is being repaired. Copperas Cove Mayor Dan D. Yancey issued a Declaration of Local Disaster on Monday morning, in addition to an Order for Stage 4B Implementation. The order is anticipated to be in place through the WCID 1 project completion on May 30. All Copperas Cove citizens are encouraged to review and be familiar with the Stage 4B Restrictions as they are outlined in the document below, or on the city website here. Any person who knowingly or intentionally allows the use of water in violation of the order may be issued a citation for a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $100 to $2,000. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact: Water Distribution Superintendent Corey Chambers at cchambers@ or (254) 547-2416. Public Relations Specialist Anna Rodriguez at arodriguez@ or (254) 547-4221, Ext. 6704. Code Compliance Supervisor Robert Henning, Jr. at rhenning@ or (254) 542-8966. You can view the documents for the Disaster Declaration and Order for Stage 4B Implementation below. Declaration-of-Local-Disaster-05-26-2025-SignedDownload Order-for-Stage-4B-Implementation-05-26-2025-SignedDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Kuala Lumpur Declaration Sets Long-term Strategic Direction Of ASEAN
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Southeast Asian leaders today adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, setting a foundation to guide the region's development and cooperation over the next two decades. The declaration, endorsed during the 46th ASEAN Summit here, represents a significant milestone in the bloc's commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred regional community. It also succeeds the current ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together vision adopted in 2015. According to the Declaration, ASEAN member states reaffirmed their collective resolve to enhance regional unity, promote inclusive and sustainable development and strengthen institutional capacity to respond effectively to existing and future megatrends. The document also envisions ASEAN as the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific region, with a strong emphasis on regional solidarity, a shared identity and equitable access to economic opportunities among its people. 'We underscore the importance of enhancing ASEAN's resilience and promoting collective, efficient, effective and innovative responses to regional and global challenges and future shocks, which would help secure the future of ASEAN and its peoples,' the Declaration stated. Among the key decisions made under the Declaration is the formal adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045 and its accompanying strategic plans across four pillars, namely Political-Security, Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Connectivity The leaders agreed that the Declaration, as well as the ACV 2045 and its strategic plans shall comprise the ASEAN 2045. They also reiterated their commitment to enhancing ASEAN's institutional capacity and effectiveness, including reforms to enhance the capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Kuala Lumpur Declaration sets long-term strategic direction of ASEAN
KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asian leaders today adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, setting a foundation to guide the region's development and cooperation over the next two decades. The declaration, endorsed during the 46th ASEAN Summit here, represents a significant milestone in the bloc's commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred regional community. It also succeeds the current ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together vision adopted in 2015. According to the Declaration, ASEAN member states reaffirmed their collective resolve to enhance regional unity, promote inclusive and sustainable development and strengthen institutional capacity to respond effectively to existing and future megatrends. The document also envisions ASEAN as the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific region, with a strong emphasis on regional solidarity, a shared identity and equitable access to economic opportunities among its people. 'We underscore the importance of enhancing ASEAN's resilience and promoting collective, efficient, effective and innovative responses to regional and global challenges and future shocks, which would help secure the future of ASEAN and its peoples,' the Declaration stated. Among the key decisions made under the Declaration is the formal adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045 and its accompanying strategic plans across four pillars, namely Political-Security, Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Connectivity The leaders agreed that the Declaration, as well as the ACV 2045 and its strategic plans shall comprise the ASEAN 2045. They also reiterated their commitment to enhancing ASEAN's institutional capacity and effectiveness, including reforms to enhance the capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat. The leaders also agreed to adopt the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan V (2026-2030) at the 47th ASEAN Summit. They also tasked ASEAN ministers and respective ASEAN bodies, with the support of the ASEAN Secretary-General and the ASEAN Secretariat, to carry out communication activities and regularly monitor implementation progress. The Secretary-General will report annually to the ASEAN Summit, and a mid-term review of the ASEAN 2045 agenda will be conducted to ensure it remains responsive to evolving regional and global developments. The Kuala Lumpur Declaration 2045 builds on previous landmark agreements, including the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together (2015), Ha Noi Declaration (2020), the Phnom Penh Connectivity Agenda (2022), the Labuan Bajo Leaders' Statement (2023) and the Vientiane Declaration on the Development of the Strategic Plans (2024). The Declaration underscores ASEAN's continued commitment to uphold the principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, international law and the United Nations Charter. The 46th ASEAN Summit, which is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', brings together leaders from member states to discuss regional issues and map out the bloc's future direction. Also scheduled for tomorrow are the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, reflecting ASEAN's ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation.
