Countering corruption as a condition for sustainable development

Corruption is a complex social, political, and economic phenomenon that affects all countries to some degree. It undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development, and weakens the foundations of the state, exerting long-term adverse effects on society and the state as a whole.

Corruption is particularly destructive to democratic principles. Distortion of electoral processes, erosion of the rule of law, and the creation of artificial bureaucratic barriers all contribute to the spread of bribery and diminish public trust in state institutions. Under such conditions, fair competition gives way to informal agreements, and equality before the law loses its practical meaning. Corrupt practices directly impact economic development. The absence of transparent and predictable rules limits foreign direct investment inflows, reduces a country’s investment attractiveness, and hinders the implementation of major infrastructure and social projects. Small and medium-sized businesses, in turn, often struggle to overcome the so-called “initial costs” associated with corruption, which restrict entrepreneurial initiative and innovation.

Recognition of the global nature of this problem laid the foundation for the development of an international legal framework to combat corruption. On 31 October 2003, the UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption, assigning the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) the role of Secretariat of the Conference of the States Parties to the Convention (Resolution 58/4). To deepen the understanding of corruption and strengthen the role of international cooperation, the Assembly also designated 9 December as the International Anti-Corruption Day. The Convention entered into force in December 2005 and became the first universal international legal instrument in this field.

At the national level, the Republic of Uzbekistan has consistently established and strengthened its legal and institutional framework to combat corruption. Among the key regulatory documents, particular importance is attached to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Combating Corruption” of January 3, 2017, which laid the foundation for the state’s anti-corruption policy and defined measures for the prevention, detection, and suppression of corrupt practices; the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Conflict of Interest” of June 5, 2024, aimed at preventing abuse of official authority and ensuring transparency in decision-making within state bodies; the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Public Civil Service” of August 8, 2022, which provides for the introduction of standards of integrity, accountability, and professional ethics in the civil service system; and the Presidential Decree “On Additional Measures to Improve the Anti-Corruption System in the Republic of Uzbekistan” of June 29, 2020, which defined priority areas for institutional reforms, strengthened coordination among anti-corruption bodies, and expanded mechanisms of public oversight.

Note that the above regulatory acts do not constitute the entire anti-corruption framework. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, a comprehensive system of interconnected strategic, institutional, and practical documents has been established to prevent corruption, enhance transparency in public administration, and promote integrity across all spheres of public life. These measures cover the activities of state bodies, the mechanisms of public and parliamentary oversight, financial transparency, and the digital transformation of governance.

The fight against corruption is cross-sectoral. Governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, the media, and citizens around the world join efforts to counter this phenomenon. The United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime play a vital role in this process by providing countries with expert and methodological support.

The International Anti-Corruption Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to build honest, transparent, and accountable institutions. Preventing this threat is essential to sustainable development, economic stability, and the strengthening of democratic values.

Aziza Alimova, UzA