ATLANTA — A major United Nations conference began in Atlanta on Monday in what is being described by the U.S. State Department as the first such UN conference being held outside of New York "for the first time in recent history."
The 10th United Nations Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption began with a video message from UN Sec. Gen. António Guterr
"I thank the United States for hosting this important meeting. For two decades, the Convention has been a guiding light in our efforts against corruption," Guetteres said in part. "...I call on all Parties to use this opportunity to strengthen international cooperation to prevent, detect, and prosecute corruption – in partnership with civil society and the private sector. Together, we can build resilient institutions, empower citizens, and build a future of justice and equality."
The event, bringing 190 state parties from around the world to Atlanta, "will gather global leaders to make policy decisions and to continue its work in charting the way forward for the international community in the prevention and fight against corruption," the State Department said last week.
It is being held at the Georgia World Congress Center downtown. The conference runs all week, ending on Friday.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield is leading the U.S. delegation at the conference.
"In keynote remarks, the Ambassador will underscore combatting corruption as a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris administration’s foreign policy and reaffirm U.S. commitment to supporting and empowering journalists, civil society members, and young people working to promote and protect democratic governance," a release stated last week.
