The Chancellor of the Government Meets With the Heads of Transparency International and the IACC Council
On Wednesday, the Chancellor of the Government, Giedrė Balčytytė, discussed preparations for the International Anti-Corruption Conference to be held in Lithuania, as well as the prevention of corruption, with the heads of Transparency International and the International Anti-Corruption Conference Council (IACC). The Chancellor of the Government discussed these issues with the Transparency International's CEO, Daniel Eriksson, and the Chair of the Board of Directors, Francois Valerian, as well as the Chair of the IACC, Rueben Lifuka, and the Director for the IACC Series and Global Initiatives, Roberto Perez-Rocha, who are visiting Lithuania.
"The fight against corruption is no longer just a question of effective governance - we can clearly see that authoritarian regimes that are encroaching on the internal life of democracies and the rule-based world order are trying to use corruption as a strategic weapon, as a means of disrupting states from within. The ultimate meaning of transparency and the prevention of corruption has never been in doubt, and it should not be in doubt now, because it is a way to survive and guard against internal erosion. The fight against corruption is also a fight for democracy and its most valuable achievements", said Chancellor Balčytytė.
As the Chancellor pointed out, events such as the International Anti-Corruption Conference provide opportunities to better explore tools to combat the shadow economy, forge new partnerships, and exchange experiences and best practices.
As a host country, Lithuania will strive to ensure that the June conference - the largest and most important transparency forum in the world - creates lasting benefits, the meeting noted.
The conference brings together heads of state, and leaders of civil society and the private sector. More than 1,500 participants from more than 140 countries are expected to attend the event in Lithuania.
Wednesday's meeting also focused on the prevention of corruption and Lithuania's long-term progress. As the Chancellor emphasised, corruption prevention is an area that requires continuous efforts, and Lithuania will continue to strive for progress.
Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index is an important indicator for self-monitoring and for achieving better results, stressed G. Balčytytė. It could be even more useful for countries by identifying corruption risks not only through the perception of corruption, but also through experience-based evaluation.
The Chancellor also highlighted the potential of real-time data and the responsible use of artificial intelligence to help minimise corruption risks.