G20 anti-corruption meeting in South Africa

G20 anti-corruption meeting in South Africa. Italy was present with Anac President Giuseppe Busìa

The G20 anti-corruption meeting was held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 5 March 2025. Italy also participated in the Working Group, with Giuseppe Busìa, President of the Anti-Corruption Authority, speaking three times during the various meetings. The Italian delegation, at the initiative of the Foreign Ministry, also included Minister Raffaele Langella, Councillor Giovanni Tartaglia Polcini and two representatives of the CSM, Professor Michele Papa and Councillor Dario Scaletta.

The G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) Summit was a highlight in the global challenge against corruption, which undermines development, economic stability and public confidence. Established in 2010, the ACWG promotes cooperation among G20 countries to combat corruption through common practices and collective action. The urgency of this task is underscored by the pervasive nature of corruption, which takes many forms, from bribery and nepotism to the misappropriation of public funds. Its impact is far-reaching, affecting economic growth and the integrity of governance. In an interconnected world, the impact of corruption transcends borders, making international cooperation essential.

One of the main objectives of the ACWG is to strengthen the public sector by promoting transparency, integrity and accountability. A strong public sector ensures ethical governance, which is critical to maintaining public trust.
Improved ethical standards foster a culture of accountability, encouraging officials to serve their communities with integrity. However, implementing effective measures can be difficult due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and entrenched practices.

Inclusive participation in anti-corruption initiatives is essential. Because corruption affects all sectors of society, it is critical to involve a range of stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and academia. Collective action fosters a culture of integrity and shared responsibility, enriching dialogue and promoting sustainable growth. Youth play a key role, bringing creativity and a commitment to justice that can drive meaningful change Education is also key to preventing corruption and increasing awareness of its consequences. ACWG promotes initiatives that equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize and combat corruption. By promoting a culture of integrity from an early age, societies can build a stronger framework for accountability.

The protection of whistleblowers is also crucial to strengthen anti-corruption efforts. Fear of retaliation often prevents individuals from reporting corrupt practices. The ACWG examined legislative reforms (including those adopted by Italy) to ensure strong protections for whistleblowers, creating an environment conducive to accountability.
By focusing on strengthening public institutions, promoting inclusive participation and protecting whistleblowers, the Cape Town Summit laid the groundwork for a lasting impact (see final document on priorities set with the South African Presidency). The G20 countries can set a strong example of integrity and accountability through collaboration and shared commitment, contributing to a fairer and more equitable world.