International Anti-Corruption Day
World ObservancesWhat Is International Anti-Corruption Day?
December 9th is "International Anti-Corruption Day." It marks December 9, 2003, when the United Nations Convention against Corruption was signed at a conference in Merida, Mexico. It is one of the United Nations' official international days.
A Shared Framework for Ending Graft
The UN Convention against Corruption was concluded so that countries could tackle bribery and embezzlement by common standards.
- Date of signing: December 9, 2003, at a conference in Merida, Mexico
- Formal name: United Nations Convention against Corruption
- Scope: bribery, embezzlement and similar acts by public officials and international civil servants
- Status: one of the UN's designated international days
Corruption Is Not Only a Public-Sector Problem
The convention targets abuse of public position, but there is always a private-sector counterpart. Excessive entertainment of clients, or favors accompanied by money or goods, are clearly prohibited in many countries and companies. Firms that trade internationally often set an explicit cap on gifts in their internal rules.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Check your company's rules on year-end gifts
- Share the guidelines on client dinners and gifts with your team again
- Look up when Japan acceded to the UN Convention against Corruption
- Clarify what the word "compliance" actually covers
Worth Revisiting in Gift Season
December brings year-end gifts and office parties. The 9th may be a good day to confirm where your organization draws the line.