The Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption – GOPAC - was created at the October 2002 Global Conference in Ottawa, Canada. The conference was supported by the Parliament of Canada, the World Bank Institute, and the Canadian International Development Agency. Over 170 parliamentarians from over 60 countries participated.

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GOPAC Constitution

Seven Steps to creating a Regional or National Chapter

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Incorporated under Canadian law as a not-for-profit organization, GOPAC is guided by a global Board of Directors selected by regional chapters. The Board's Executive Committee is chaired by Dr. Naser Al Sane, Member of the National Assembly of Kuwait.

In addition to developing regional chapters, member information services, and building alliances, the GOPAC membership has identified a number of specific agenda items for the organization to pursue and report its results on, at the 2008 Global Conference.

Many parliamentarians are seeking to provide good governance but are challenged with parliaments with weak support services, limited traditions in playing the core democratic roles of legislation, oversight and representation, and domination by a powerful executive. The GOPAC global program seeks to respond to these challenges, by providing peer support, education, and political leadership on initiatives producing results.

Peer Support

In some parts of the world, legislators are in fear of their lives if they speak out against corruption. They need to know that they do not stand alone, that there are legislators who are prepared to speak out and support them. GOPAC plays an important role in linking and supporting parliamentarians committed to fighting corruption and working towards good governance with their peers.

Leadership for Results

GOPAC's international programming uses global working groups (known as Global Task Forces – GTF’s) consisting of its members to develop tools and products, as well as to guide major initiatives. GOPAC partners with like-minded expert organizations in the area s being examined, enabling the Board and Executive to provide leadership while accessing professional expertise to support their work. This provides opportunities for parliamentarians with particular expertise to assist their colleagues and to ensure a good quality and representative product.

Education

It is increasingly obvious that parliamentarians require and are demanding further education on what their role and responsibilities as parliamentarians are. Through various workshops around the world GOPAC works with parliamentarians to build a stronger understanding of duties as parliamentarians and initiatives to ensure these are accomplished.