The Montenegrin delegation, consisting of representatives of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Montenegro, presented the Methodology for assessment of implementation of anti-corruption measures at the largest global anti-corruption conference in Atlanta, USA.

The 10th session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) - COSP in the capital of the US state of Georgia gathers global leaders, who discuss the future directions of the international community in the prevention and fight against corruption.

Recognizing the importance of the Methodology for assessment of implementation of anti-corruption measures, COSP dedicated a special panel to the presentation of this document to representatives of member states, international organizations and civil society, who exchange experiences and challenges in measuring corruption, with the aim of promoting anti-corruption mechanisms and their effects.

At this largest global anti-corruption gathering, the methodology was presented by acting Assistant Director of the Agency, Boris Vukašinović.

“Our primary goal has always been and continues to be, not just documenting integrity on paper but actively putting it into action. Our aim was to challenge lethargic institutions, motivating them to go beyond basic legal compliance and embrace proactive measures”, he pointed out.

The Agency developed the Methodology in cooperation with UNDP in Montenegro, with the support of the UNDP Seoul Policy Center and inspired by the concept of the methodology of the Commission for Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights of the Republic of Korea, in order to assess whether the authorities implement anti-corruption measures and whether their application has positive effects, while simultaniously encouraging authorities to be proactive when planning and implementing anti-corruption measures.

„Together with our partners from the United Nations Development Programme, and with the unselfish support of the Republic of Korea's Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, we created an innovative, evidence-based Methodology for assessing the implementation of the anti-corruption measures“, Vukašinović added.

So far, the Agency has applied the Methodology to three systems: state administration, social and child protection, and the judiciary. Looking ahead, the Agency plans to apply it to authorities from the other seven sectors. Additionally, best practices and examples will also be promoted through educational activities.

The UN General Assembly adopted the UN Convention against Corruption in 2003, and it is the only legally binding international instrument to fight corruption. With 190 signatories, it is almost universally accepted, and Montenegro ratified the Convention in 2005.

COSP is the main decision-making body in the UN Convention against Corruption. All states that have ratified UNCAC are automatically part of the Conference of Member States, while other states (signatories and non-signatories), intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations can apply for observer status at COSP sessions. The COSP meets every two years and adopts resolutions and decisions aimed at building the capacity and cooperation of the signatory states in achieving the goals of the Convention, as well as promoting and reviewing its implementation.