#USA #Mexico City #Sustainable Development #Anti-Corruption #UN Global Compact

UN Global Compact Celebrates 15 Years of Anti-Corruption Action

The United Nations Global Compact celebrated a significant milestone on June 26, 2025, completing a remarkable 15 years of its Anti-Corruption Collective Action (ACCA) initiative. This two-day event not only honored the journey of promoting business integrity and fighting corruption but also highlighted the critical role integrity plays in sustainable development.

A Journey Rich in Accomplishments

Founded in 2010 and funded by the Siemens Integrity Initiative, the ACCA initiative successfully brought together over 100 leaders from diverse sectors, including business, government, academia, and civil society. The discussions focused on the achievements over the years and the insight gained from ACCA initiatives that have been implemented by 13 Global Compact Country Networks.

The highlight of the celebration was the release of a comprehensive legacy report titled “15 Years of Collective Action: Stories of Integrity from the Private Sector.” This report captures the global impact of collective action through engaging narratives that articulate how partnerships across sectors have reshaped business practices, fostered transparency, and encouraged ethical leadership worldwide.

Key Messages from Leaders

Sanda Ojiambo, the CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, stressed the importance of integrity in business, stating, “Corruption erodes trust, weakens institutions and hampers sustainable development. Collective Action has demonstrated its power to align companies, Governments, and civil society behind a shared vision of transparency and accountability.” Ojiambo’s remarks underline the necessity for continued collaboration to build a more equitable and ethical global economy.

Highlights from the Legacy Report

1. Collective Action as a Driver of Sustainable Development: The ACCA initiative demonstrates the essential role of collaboration in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. Participants acknowledged how collective efforts have multiplied the impact on governance and corporate responsibility.

2. Impact through Narratives: Storytelling proved to be a powerful tool in connecting audiences with the tangible impacts of anti-corruption actions. Real-life accounts from business leaders and community representatives illuminated how ethical practices have changed corporate cultures and positively affected communities, reinforcing the case for global collaboration.

3. Commitment to Transparency and Integrity: Participants underscored the continuing necessity for engagement and resource sharing. The event also introduced materials such as the “Uniting Against Corruption: A Playbook on Anti-Corruption Collective Action,” and training programs aimed at promoting transparency in business practices and guiding future initiatives.

Themes of the Legacy Report

The legacy report is organized around vital themes like “Engaging the Next Generation of Ethical Leaders” and “Harnessing Digital Technology for Transparency.” Each theme comes with real-world examples illustrating how ACCA has fostered good governance, strengthened trust, and promoted business integrity globally.

A Call to Action

The UN Global Compact, a frontrunner in combating corruption through Collective Action, continues to encourage companies worldwide to deepen their commitment to anti-corruption efforts. The legacy of ACCA serves as a testament to the transformative power of trusted collaborations in the private sector, which ultimately drives long-term success while safeguarding communities.

To explore the complete “15 Years of Collective Action: Stories of Integrity from the Private Sector” report and learn about the extensive progress made since 2010, visit the UN Global Compact's website. By aligning efforts across sectors, ACCA has led a successful movement toward accountability and integrity in business, aiming for a better, more sustainable world for all.

For more information on the Anti-Corruption Collective Action, check out UNGC's ACCA webpage.