Business Community’s Efforts against Tax Evasion, Money-Laundering Key to Ending Corruption, Secretary-General Says in Message for ‘Tech for Integrity’ Ceremony

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) closing award ceremony of the Tech for Integrity, in Washington, D.C., today:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to greet the Citi Tech for Integrity Challenge.  I commend all those seeking new ways to use technology to advance transparency, accountability and integrity.

Corruption wrecks economies, weakens institutions and undermines public faith in governance.  Once viewed as the price of doing business, corruption today is the price paid by communities in lost schools, hospitals, roads and bridges.  It benefits the few, while the many suffer.   This is a global menace; no country is immune and every country has a duty to join the fight.

The United Nations is strongly committed to ending corruption and promoting accountability and good governance.  The Convention against Corruption is our main tool, along with our assistance to Member States on anti-corruption initiatives.  The business and financial communities have crucial roles to play in fighting tax evasion, money-laundering and illicit financial flows.  We also want to work with you to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Without your engagement and commitment, our impact on people, poverty and planet may well be limited.  But, together — with your innovations, global reach solidarity — we can build peaceful and inclusive societies on a healthy planet, while ensuring good governance and the rule of law.

Thank you for your leadership and support.  In that spirit of partnership, I wish you a memorable gathering and success in this initiative.