Focus Areas: Governance, Transparency, Anti-Corruption, and International Cooperation
Background
Corruption remains a complex, cross-border challenge that poses severe risks to sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region. Marking the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the APEC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Experts Working Group (ACTWG) introduced the Framework for APEC Anti-Corruption Thematic Areas 2023–2026.
This document serves as an operational roadmap to implement the ACTWG Strategic Plan 2023–2026, driving practical and coordinated efforts to help member economies identify corruption risks, share best practices, and adopt innovative anti-corruption solutions.
Core Annual Themes (2024–2026)
To provide clear strategic direction and ensure continuity, the framework outlines specific thematic priorities for each year:
- Prevention and Transparency (2024): Strengthening preventive measures and public sector integrity.
- Cooperation (2025): Intensifying practical information-sharing and cross-border cooperation to implement APEC anti-corruption commitments and UNCAC obligations.
- Denial of Safe Haven (2026): Fostering timely cooperation to deny safe haven to corruption offenders and their illicit assets.
Key Cross-Cutting Priorities & Implementation Guidelines
The framework emphasizes building on APEC’s existing body of work to maintain strategic continuity, avoid duplication, and stimulate research. Key operational principles include:
- Inclusivity & Gender Mainstreaming: Aligning efforts with the La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth (2019–2030) to support gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Encouraging active involvement from non-governmental stakeholders, civil society, and the private sector.
- APEC Core Principles: Reaffirming that all collaborative efforts follow APEC’s foundational principles of consensus, non-binding commitment, voluntary participation, and flexibility to accommodate domestic legal frameworks.
Significance for PECC MX
For the Mexican Committee of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC MX), this document provides an essential reference point for analyzing governance and transparency standards across Asia-Pacific economies. It highlights how multilateral cooperation is evolving to protect regional supply chains, strengthen institutions, and ensure an equitable economic environment.