Anti-Corruption in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - August

Introduction
The 2030 Agenda was a major breakthrough for the anti-corruption movement as it emphasises the importance of promoting transparency, accountability and anti-corruption for sustainable development, and makes an explicit link between corruption, peace and just and inclusive societies.

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said, “the 2030 Agenda has established anti-corruption as a global imperative on which hinges the achievement of all sustainable development goals. Goal 16 is rooted in human rights and highlights the importance of strengthening institutions and governance in our pledge to leave no one behind.

We also have the opportunity to advance the anti-corruption agenda through the implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption, which has now reached near-universal ratification, providing a comprehensive global framework to fight corruption in alignment with the 2030 Agenda.

Corruption is a complex challenge that continues to persist in many countries across the world. It has a direct impact on the three dimensions of sustainable development – social, economic and environmental – and affects each of the five pillars of the 2030 agenda: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnerships.”

Despite progress made, corruption is still a pressing challenge. Resources lost through corruption exceed the estimated 10 trillion dollars required to eradicate poverty by 2030. Money lost to corruption is essentially development denied to those most at risk of being left behind.

The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bureau for Policy and Programme Support to offer the first worldwide online course on the key role anti-corruption plays in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will:

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the 2030 Agenda and articulate the key role that anti-corruption plays in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of dual role anti-corruption plays in the 2030 Agenda, both as a focus area in itself under SDG 16 and as a prerequisite to achieving all other SDGs.
• Identify different methods, tools and best practices to mainstream anti-corruption initiatives in sustainable development plans and programmes.
• Identify practical tools and best practices to harmonise the monitoring of sustainable development and anti-corruption initiatives.
• Be able to articulate the need for aligning sustainable development and anti-corruption efforts.

Course Methodology:
UNSSC online courses are designed to deliver maximum learning outcomes through optimal time investments into carefully chosen high-quality learning materials. Specially tailored to the needs of the professional interested in developing skills to advance their career or deepening their knowledge on a particular subject matter, our highly facilitated online courses combine self-paced study modules with applied learning components such as case studies, interactive exercises and collaborative group work.

Participants also benefit from live moderated webinars which feature valuable inputs from renowned subject matter experts, and allow real-time dialogue with the high-level speakers. Webinar recordings are also made available to ensure that participants have a flexible and seamless learning experience. A competent facilitator guides and assists the participants all along the course, and provides real-time feedback on activities and exercises. Our user-friendly social online learning platform provides participants with the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse organisational backgrounds, fostering peer-to-peer learning.

While being interactive and participatory, UNSSC online courses give learners the opportunity to complete activities when it best fits their schedule. Participants are largely free to determine their own weekly study plan. Lasting 5 weeks and demanding 6 hours of dedication a week, UNSSC online courses incorporate the same high academic rigour as any UNSSC face-to-face programme.

Course Contents:

• Week 1: Sustainable development and anti-corruption. Concepts of corruption and sustainable development. Anti-corruption initiatives advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Week 2: The role of anti-corruption as part of SDG 16 and as a prerequisite to achieve all other SDGs.
• Week 3: Fighting corruption across sectors
• Week 4: Integrating anti-corruption in sustainable development plans and programmes – coordination and implementation. Different approaches to align anti-corruption initiatives to sustainable development plans and programmes.
• Week 5: Integrating anti-corruption in sustainable development plans and programmes – monitoring. Tools and best practices to monitor anti-corruption efforts within the context of sustainable development.

Target Audience:
UN staff from headquarters, country teams or regional offices, government representatives, development practitioners as well as members of civil society, academia and foundations.

Cost of participation:
Free of charge to selected participants. This course has been developed by UNSSC and UNDP with significant inputs from UNODC, U4, OHCHR, GIZ, Sida, and International Anti-corruption Academy (IACA). The roll out of this course in 2019 is financially supported by UNDP.

Interested participants are encouraged to sign up for the course and to provide a detailed motivation statement in the online application form to be considered for the course.

Participation in the course will include:

• Unlimited access to course materials (incl. exclusive video material and key readings), recording of webinars and speakers’ presentations.
• Participation in live webinars with renowned subject matter experts.
• Exclusive access to UNSSC online social learning environment with training and supporting background materials, and the opportunity to stay connected with colleagues.

Certificates will be awarded to participants upon completion of the course.
APPLY HERE https://www.unssc.org/activities/public-form?id=238086&key=