International Anti-Corruption Academy
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| Formation | 8 March 2011 |
|---|---|
| Legal status | International Organization |
| Headquarters | Laxenburg, Austria |
Membership | 60 Parties, 53 Signatories |
| Website | www.iaca.int |
The International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) is a young institution based in Laxenburg (Vienna), Austria. It has a unique dual character, being an international organization and a post-secondary educational institution, established under international law. IACA seeks to overcome shortcomings in knowledge and practice in the field of anti-corruption and empower professionals for the challenges of tomorrow. Its constituency comprises 68 UN Member States and 3 international organizations.[1]
History
IACA was initiated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the Republic of Austria. It was set up on the basis of a multilateral treaty - the Agreement for the Establishment of the International Anti-Corruption Academy as an International Organization. IACA was inaugurated during the conference “From vision to reality”, which took place in the Viennese Hofburg in September 2010. More than 1,000 delegates were present, representing over 120 UN Member States, as well as international organizations, the public and private sector. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was the guest of honour. During this conference, 35 UN Member States and one international organization signed the IACA Agreement. By the end of 2010, IACA had 55 Members, and on 8 March 2011, it became an international organization.[2] IACA has a total of 71 Members, and holds observer status with the,[3] United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)[4] and the Council of Europe’s Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO).[5]
Education & Cooperation
IACA offers various types of seminars and trainings and a Master in Anti-Corruption Studies programme. It provides tailor-made programmes upon request and co-organizes trainings with other organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). IACA also offers research opportunities and a platform for the exchange of experiences, networking and the development of best practices. In an effort to strengthen the fight against corruption, the Academy works closely with governmental and non-governmental entities as well as the private sector. It has partnership arrangements with many institutions, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE),[6] the World Bank, and the Organization of American States (OAS).[7]
Governance
The organization is governed by the Board of Governors. Its other four organs include the Assembly of Parties, Dean, International Senior Advisory Board and International Academic Advisory Board.