Convention Against Corruption

HIAMUN ’27’s theme, Convergence, captures Model United Nations’ ability to bring together disparate priority sets, values, and national interests into one place while still moving towards a common goal. I, for one, see convergence as not being about abandoning one’s differences, but rather using them as tools for constructive purposes; making disagreement into debate and subsequently, turning debate into solutions that represent multiple perspectives. Convergence transcends all languages and barriers. To find common ground is to understand this theme thoroughly; there is no better solution than a solution that grants all involved parties satisfaction. 

The United Nations Convention Against Corruption is a forum centered around one of the most pressing issues in the global community: the abuse of authority for personal, political, or financial gain. Governments lose credibility through corruption; they suffer through poor institutional performance caused by corruption; and resources do not reach individuals who are most in need of them as a result of corruption. UNCAC provides delegates the chance to explore the intricacies of international responses to corruption, as well as identify ways to provide a solution to the international system while keeping the imbalance of global relations from inflating any further. 

My esteemed chair, Zainab Abdelgawad, and I are proud to introduce three relevant and thought-provoking topics that touch on the delicate nature of corruption in our current times. Our first topic, “Examining Unilateral Anti-Corruption Sanctions and Their Impact on State Sovereignty”, will challenge delegates to discuss how effective sanctions are at providing accountability versus potentially threatening national sovereignty and multilateral cooperation. Our second topic, “Addressing corruption in Political and Electoral Financing”, focuses on how illicit political funding, hidden influence, and abuse of financial power are detrimental to democracy and public trust in democratic institutions. Finally, our last topic, “Addressing Corruption and Abuse of Power in Access to Public Services for Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups”, will discuss the implications of corruption for those most vulnerable in our societies, as they often lack the capacity to protect themselves. 

Zainab and I are incredibly excited to welcome you all to UNCAC as of HIAMUN ’27. We sincerely hope that this committee becomes a space where delegates feel empowered to think critically, listen and participate fully, as well as approach all discussions both thoughtfully and assertively. For those of you kicking off your MUN journey in your first conferences, and for those at the end of their journeys, we encourage you to come with enthusiasm, along with your voices to share your ideas with everyone you meet at the conference. We look forward to seeing all of you converge and carry forward the message henceforth.

Zain El Midany, President of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption

Topics

1. Examining Unilateral Anti-Corruption Sanctions and Their Impact on State Sovereignty

2. Addressing Corruption in Political and Electoral Financing

3. Addressing Corruption and Abuse of Power in Access to Public Services for Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups