The First Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting (ACWG) of G-20, is set to take place in Gurugram, Haryana from 1st to 3rd March, 2023. During the three-day event at Gurugram, over 90 delegates from 20 members countries, 10 Invitee countries and 9 International Organizations will engage in detailed deliberations on strengthening International Anti-corruption mechanisms. G 20 ACWG meetings have one Chair (Presidency country) and one co-chair country. The co-chair for the G20 ACWG 2023 is Italy.
Under India's chairpersonship, G-20 Nations will deliberate on areas of future action like bringing in processes, where fugitive economic offenders can be traced and extradited faster, and their properties situated abroad brought within the reach of the law of the land from which such offenders escape. India's chairpersonship will support G20 countries in prioritising recovery and return of stolen assets in their broad strategy against corruption. Enhancing the effectiveness of asset-tracing and identification mechanisms, developing mechanisms for rapid restrain of illicit assets, and promoting effective use of open-source information and asset recovery networks will be key focal areas.
In a Statement issued ahead of the First Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the theme of India's G20 Presidency - "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "One Earth. One Family. One Future", and said that moving forward with India's G-20 Presidency under the guidance of the Prime Minister, DoPT is organizing the First Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting.
Dr Jitendra Singh stated that since its inception in 2010, G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) has been at the forefront of guiding the anti-corruption initiatives of G20 countries. He stated that the G20 ACWG will explore proactive sharing of information, improving existing Mutual Legal Assistance framework and simplifying mechanisms for sharing of information between domestic law enforcement authorities in criminal matters.
Dr Jitendra Singh informed that as part of the 1st ACWG meeting , a 'Side Event' on Leveraging ICT for Combating Corruption in Public Sector' has also been planned to elaborate on role of ICT in fighting corruption worldwide and initiatives that India has adapted to reduce and address corruption.
The Minister hoped that the 1st ACWG meeting will generate a concerted effort for enhancing awareness about anti-corruption, imparting education, capacity building and for incorporating optimally the benefits of experience of forums like Civil Society 20, Think Tank 20, Women 20 and Business 20.
The delegates will experience India's culture through specially curated Yoga Sessions, visit to historic sites, cultural events and local cuisine.
