Upon the invitation from the Organization for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD), a three member delegation led by the Chairperson is attending the event on the theme “Fostering integrity policies and strengthening anti-corruption frameworks in Asia-Pacific” from 25 March 2024 at Paris.
During the opening remarks to a gathering of anti-corruption practitioners from the countries and economies from Asia and the Pacific region, the Chairperson emphasized the urgent necessity to enhance institutional capabilities to adapt to the rapid advancement in the technology amidst the growing global uncertainties. This adaptive approach is deemed essential to effecitvely drive anti-corruption initiatives, ensuring that they are not only agile, responsive, and resilient but also characterized by intelligence, innovation, and practicalility at grassroots levels. Most importantly, the Chairperson underscored the pivotal role of the leadership, as exemplified during the recent pandemic, in adeptly navigating in this intricate and ambiguous environment.
In addition, the Chairperson shared insights from Bhutan’s experience in two thematic sessions viz. 1) strengthening national and multilateral efforts to address corruption risks in emergency responses in Asia-Pacific, and 2) managing conflicts of interest and asset disclosures for public integrity. The presentation highlighted Bhutan’s strategies regarding asset declaration, conflicts of interest, gift management, integrity vetting, and investigative, prosecutorial, & adjudicative processes during the emergency situations. Case studies and practical tools were showcased to illustrate Bhutan’s proactive approach in combating corruption.
Furthermore, alongside the main event, the delegation met with the Director of Public Governance, OECD, officials from the ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific, and participated in the 2024 OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum scheduled from 26 to 27 March 2024.