The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) came into force in December 2005. It represents an international consensus on what States Parties should be doing to address corruption: prevention, criminalisation and prosecution, as well as international cooperation, asset recovery and repatriation.

Pursuant to article 63 of the Convention, a Conference of the States Parties to the Convention will be held during the week of November 9, 2009 in Doha, Qatar. Its purpose will be to improve the capacity of, and cooperation between, States Parties to achieve the objectives set forth in the Convention and to review progress and promote its implementation.

GOPAC has been honoured by the request of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna to organise the third Forum of Parliamentarians that will take place on November 10, 2009 in conjunction with the third Conference of States Parties. Our Arab regional chapter (ARPAC) will serve as a co-organizer.

The theme of the Forum of Parliamentarians is Working with Others, i.e. how parliamentarians may draw on the expertise and other support from international agencies that also are working to combat corruption. As in previous Forums, we expect to issue a Declaration to States Parties outlining how parliamentarians working with others can support the implementation of the UNCAC, with special attention to prevention and to transparent review. We plan to use the policy positions adopted at the 2008 GOPAC Kuwait conference as a tool to help participants develop the plan of action for parliamentarians.

Please note that the UNODC letter of invitation to States Parties provides for "policy makers" (which, of course, includes parliamentarians) to be included in the delegation. We, therefore, suggest that parliamentarians seek to join their country’s delegation where permitted (some countries’ Constitutions do not permit such participation). If participation in your country’s delegation is not possible, you may still participate at the Forum, but would be responsible for funding your own travel and other expenses.

Please note that the event will be in English.

We hope that you can join us in Doha and be part of this significant event that links improved governance and preventing corruption. Should you have any questions please contact Meaghan Campbell at the GOPAC secretariat in Ottawa, Canada at campbell.meaghan@gopacnetwork.org.