This means expanding our technical assistance. And we are providing better comparative data about corruption to promote accountability, transparency and rule of law. In particular, our research will explore the corruption-organized crime nexus. Our global anti-corruption programme is part of a larger strategy to attack the structural underpinnings of organized crime. Each of these elements is crucial to the success of a strong Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
Widespread corruption introduces a deadly does of moral pollution into society.
It distorts values that can be as harmful as the material damage itself. People must not give in to the belief that power is based solely on deception or violence, and that the only way to achieve success and wealth is through crime and corruption. Today we are taking another important step forward towards rejection of the idea that corruption is innate and unavoidable. The time is right to bolster the global movement for greater transparency and achieve lasting reforms.