This was during the inaugural meeting in Cape Town.
“It’s with great honour that Brazil has accepted the invitation from SA to co-chair the ACWG this year,” Pontes told delegates at the gathering, which will run for three days. “We are deeply committed to supporting the SA Presidency’s priority of fostering solidarity, equality, and sustainability. We hope these goals will inspire all nations here to work together towards achieving the objectives of this group.”
The meeting is a significant moment for global anti-corruption efforts, as corruption continues to undermine economies worldwide, including in SA, where both the public and private sectors are affected.
In his State of the Nation Address last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that billions of Rands had been recovered in state capture-related cases. This progress, spearheaded by the Special Investigating Unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit, marks a crucial step in the country’s ongoing battle against corruption. Ramaphosa also highlighted the implementation of several legislative reforms stemming from the recommendations of the State Capture Commission.
Pontes also took the opportunity to reflect on the challenges and importance of dialogue within the ACWG. “While discussions are not always easy due to our diverse backgrounds and varying perspectives, I firmly believe that through democratic and respectful dialogue, we can find common ground,” he said. “Even from initial discord, we can reach a shared understanding and adopt new guidelines to advance our anti-corruption efforts.”
The ACWG, which brings together G20 countries, plays a pivotal role in shaping global anti-corruption standards. According to Pontes, the platform continues to be an essential venue for constructive discussions and policy advancements that will set a leading example for other nations to follow.
Brazil reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the ACWG’s work and expressed confidence that by year’s end, a set of mutually agreed-upon documents will be adopted, further strengthening global anti-corruption efforts.
–ChannelAfrica–
