Revenue Statistics in Latin America 2023

                           In July 2021, I posted the summary of the same kind of book, in that year with data from 2018. If you want to read the previous post this is the link, so you can compare the changes   http://thepeopleteacher.blogspot.com/2021/07/revenue-statistics-in-latin-america-2020.html. This post is a summary of the book with the incomplete title above published in 2023 at https://www.oeilibrary.org/sites/a764068en/1/2/1/index.htmitemId=/content/publication/a7640683-en&_csp_=ceb60a870163d79dfecde650d331aad6&itemIGO=oecd&itemContentType=book

                             Revenue Statistics in Latin America 2023 is a joint publication by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the U.N. Economic Commission for Latin Amrica (ECLAC), the Inter-American Center for Tax Administration (CIAT) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It presents detailed, internationally comparable data on tax revenues for 27 Latin American and Caribbean economies, four of which are OECD members. The book is based on the well-established methodology of the OECD Revenue Statistics database, which is essential reference source for OECD member countries. A recovery in economic activity after the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher commodity prices and the end of temporary tax reliefs supported a strong rebound in tax revenues across the  Latin America (L.A.) in 2021. The average tax-to-GDP ratio in the L.A. region was 21.7%.  In comparison, the average tax-to-GDP ratio across the OECD increased by 0.6% in 2021 to reach 34.1%. Txa-to-GDP ratios ranged from 12.7% in Panama to 33.5% in Brazil in 2021. 18 countries recorded increases in their tax-to-ratio between 2020 and 2021, and 8 countries recorded decreases. The largest increase in 2021 was observed in Belize, whose tax-to-GDP ration rose by 5% due to an increase from taxes in goods and services caused by a strong rebound in tourism. The second and third largest increases were observed in Chile 2.8% and Peru 2.7%. In 2021, taxes on goods and services generated half of total tax revenues in L.A., compared with less than a third in the OECD. Fiscal policy has an important role to playing catalysing inclusive economic growth in L.A.. In the long term, higher levels of revenue will be crucial to finance investments and address demands from citizens across the region to improve equity ia the provision of public goods of quality, and to implement more comprehensive social protection systems. The Bahamas was the only country where tax revenues and GDP both declined in nominal terms between 2020 and 2021. Brazil saw the fourth-largest increase in tax revenues, which rose by 2.4% in 2021. Revenues from corporate income tax and taxes on goods and services were the main drivers of this increase. Brazil's tax revenues were also boosted by higher commodity prices. Tax-to-GDP ratios are influenced by a range of economic and structural factors. Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay show similar similar tax-to-GDP ratios to OECD countries. Empirical analysis suggest that stronger tax collection, accompanied by stronger institutions, education and skills, and economic diversification, allowed many OECD countries to evade the middle-income trap, in contrast to countries in L.A. Taxes on goods and services were the main source of revenue for all L.A. countries except Cuba, Mexico, Guyana, Panama in 2021. For those countries, revenue from taxes on income and profits accounted for the largest share. VAT rates range from 22% in Uruguay to 7% in Panama, and  they are on average 14.8% in L.A. Brazil operates a multiple-rate system with tax levied at different rates for each state. Below the ranking with the highest tax-to-GDP ratio to the lowest. We can see the Brazil has the highest tax-to-GDP ratio in the Americas.

Tax-to-GDP ratio 2021 in PanAmerican countries                                 Rest of the World

Brazil     33.5%                                                                                         France      46.1%          

Canada     33.2%                                                                                         Norway      44.3%

Argentina    29.1%                                                                                        Italy       42.9%

U.S.A.       27.7%                                                                                          Sweden     41.3%                                         

 Nicaragua      27.1%                                                                                      Germany      39.3%

Uruguay    26.5%                                                                                              Spain       37.5%

Costa Rica       24.2%                                                                                      Portugal      36.4%

El Salvador     23.3%                                                                                        U.K.       35.3%

Bolivia    22.6%                                                                                                Japan     34.1%

Chile       22.2%                                                                                               New Zealand     33.8%

Honduras        21.2%                                                                                        South Korea      32.0%

Colombia     19.5%                                                                                           Australia       29.5%

Ecuador        19.4%                                                                                        Switzerland        27.2%

Peru          17.9%                                                                                               Ireland       20.9% 

Guyana       16.8%                                                                                               Turkiye       20.8%

Mexico       16.7%                                                                                               

Guatemala         14.2%                                                                                            

Paraguay    14.0%    

Panama      12.7%                                                                                        

260th Birthday of José Bonifácio

                     Little more than eight months ago, the Brazilian scientist and politician would complete 260 years-old. He helped put some Enlightenment ideas in the formation of the new country that was being created. Unfortunately he faced opposition from the retrograte, conservative, farmer elite, and he can't put his ideas in practice.  Nowadays, all the world recognizes the injustice he suffered becoming twice  politically exiled.  This post is a summary of two articles. The first was published at   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Bonif%C3%A1cio_de_Andrada_e_Silva. The second was published at https://revistapesquisa.fapesp.br/en/jose-bonifacio-connected-ideas-from-the-age-of-enlightenment-to-brazils-independence-process/

                            José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva (1763-1838) was a Brazilian statesman, naturalist, mineralogist, professor and poet, born in Santos, SP. He was one of the most important mentors of Brazilian independence, and his actions were decisive for the success of Emperor Pedro I. He supported public education, he was an abolitionist and suggested that a new national capital be created in Brazil's interior. His career as mineralogist was marked by the discovery of four minerals. In 1800, Bonifácio was appointed professor of geology at Coimbra University and 1812, he was made secretary of the Lisbon Academy of Science. Returning to Brazil in 1819, he urged prince regent Pedro to resist the recall of the Lisbon court, and when the Independence of Brazil was declared, Bonifácio became minister of the interior and of foreign affairs. He was elected by the Constituent Assembly and author of the abolition project in Brazil, presented to the Constituent in 1821, but his democratic principles resulted in his dismissal from office in July 1823. Bonifácio spent part of his life in Europe. In his travels around Europe he studied chemistry and mineralogy with other scientists. In 1797, he became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Science. His relationship with the prince Pedro I became incompatible and he decided to join the opposition. In 1823 he was exiled and went to Bordeaux where he lived until 1829. In 1831 when Dom Pedro I abdicated from the throne, he was appointed by the former Emperor to be the tutor of the emperor's son. He didn't agree with the Regent's government so he tried to reestablish the Empire. After being arrested in 1833 and tried for intriguing on behalf of Dom Pedro I, he passed the rest of his days in retirement at the Niterói. In December 1836, he contracted tuberculosis. He died of the disease in April 1838.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             In 1819, a 58-year-old mineralogist, with degrees in Law and Philosophy from the University of Coimbra, embarked on a journey from Lisbon to Brazil. Nearing retirement, naturalist Bonifácio was an intellectual imbued with ideas of the Enlightenment. He fought against French troops led by Napoleon and, despite his inherent responsibilities, he never became politically involved. However, this would change next year with the emergence of the Porto Revolution, which would bury the old regime and establish a constitutional monarchy in Portugal, based on the liberal ideas shared by him. The revolution shaped the formation of governing boards within the provinces, and Bonifácio was elected to the São Paulo board, establish in 1821. Two years later, he'd become one of the main architects of Brazil's Independence. In this new Brazil, he'd be constituent representative and Minister of State and Foreign Affairs. In 1823, the then Minister clashed with the elite Brazilian political leaders, which led to his dismissal in July. With the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly, he lost his mandate as representative and was exiled by the same emperor whose power he had helped to consolidate. Bonifácio's image has been disputed since the early years following Brazil's Independence. On the one hand, he is called the "Patriarch of Independence," while, on the other hand, he is seen as a despot who censored and persecuted political opponents while Minister. He is considered a man ahead of his time, having proposed the abolition of slavery and reform to the land tenure system. He shared the idea commonly held during the Age of Enlightenment, that the enlightened, the scholars knew what was best for the country. He supported a liberal regime, which entailed some degree of grassroots participation. Despite the importance of some of his roles in Portugal, only now his writings are beginning to be recognized as pioneering by science historians. In fact, in Europe, he was already identified as a forerunner in his awareness of the link between nature and the explotation of natural resources, which we'd call 'ecology' today. Bonifácio's link to Enlightenment also led to his economic ideas. As a member of the Academy of Science, he helped write Economic Memories of the Royal Academy of Science of Lisbon, a collection of essays on the Portuguese Empire's economy, published from 1789 to 1815. 

Data Privacy Day - 2024

                          Two weeks ago, precisely on 28th January, all around the world was celebrated this very important human right, the right to privacy.  All over the world they understand the importance of privacy to a dignified life, to autonomy, to security, to a life without harm, bullying, huge stress, unjustified annoying, drag and intrusive situation.   We must all fight for this right, because with its violation many others rights are also violated. If you want to have an idea about its importance, imagine your life without your privacy. All dimensions of a person's life is harmed, his relationships, his employability, his socialization, his entrepreneurship, his health, his leisure time, his travel plans, his anonymity,  there is not one aspect of the person that is not affected. This post is a summary of two articles. The first was published at https://staysafeonline.org/programs/data-privacy-week/. The second was published at https://www.fpc.gov/data-privacy-week-2024/

                         You have the power to take charge of your data. This is why we are excited to celebrated Data Privacy Week 2024 with the theme: Take Control of Your Data. Your online activity creates a treasure trove of data. This data ranges from your interests and purchases to your online behaviors, and it is collected by websites, apps, devices, services, and companies all around the globe. This data can even include information about your physical self, like health data, think about how an app on your phone might count how many steps you take. You can't control how each little piece of data about you and your family is collected. However, you still have a right to data privacy. You can help manage your data. Your data is valuable and you deserve to have a say! Become a privacy defender, become a champion. Get involved and show your commitment. Champions represent those dedicated to empowering individuals and encouraging businesses to respect privacy. Data Privacy Week is an international effort to empower individuals and individuals and business to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust. Last year, the National Cybersecurity Alliance expanded Data Privacy day into Data Privacy Week because your data is that important! Data Privacy Day began in the U.S. and Canada in 2008. It is an extension of Data protection Day in Europe, which commemorates the January 28, 1981 signing of Convention the first legally binding treaty dealing with privacy protection. The goal of Data Privacy Week is to spread awareness about online privacy. Our goal is twofold: we want to help citizens understand that they have the power to manage their data and we want to help organizations understand why it is important that they respect their user's data. Even seemingly innocuous information, such as your favorite restaurant or items you purchase online, can be used to make assumptions about you and your habits. Many companies have the opportunity to monitor the data of their users and consumers, and they sell the data for profit.                                                                                                                 The Federal Privacy Council is proud to be a champion for Data Privacy Week 2024, a global effort to raise awareness about the importance of respecting privacy, safeguarding data, and enabling trust. This year's theme is Take Control of Your Data. When you think of privacy, what comes to mind? Closing your window shades? Keeping your phone screen locked? Shutting the door when you have a sensitive conversation? We do all these things to preserve our privacy, but it is important to know exactly what we're talking about when we say "privacy." Privacy is the right to not be observed or disturbed by others. This includes a right for certain information to not be observed. When it comes to your digital life, it revolves around your right to protect your personal data. You can usually think of privacy as your right to keep your person and your information to yourself. Data privacy and cybersecurity are different fields, but they go together. Data privacy revolves around rules, guidelines, and your own personal choices about who has access to your data, and how much access they have. Cybersecurity is focused on preventing and solving threats like hacking, malware, and online scams. A lot of cybersecurity is about keeping your data safe. Data privacy, on the other hand, is about your right to keep your data safe, especially from those who aren't cybercriminals. like websites and businesses. With technology, there is always a trade-off between privacy and convenience. A maps app, for example, needs to know your current location to give your directions. In many cases, though, you can choose how much data you want to share. This is where knowing about data privacy can help you make decisions and form habits. Believe, finding peace of mind by being more aware of your data privacy is worth it.

Five Years on From the Brumadinho Dam Disaster

                 The most important human right, the right to life must be more respected in Brazil. We all must demand a severe punishment when this right is violated.  This post is a summary three articles. The first was published with the title above at    https://pogustgoodhead.com/brumadinho-dam-disaster-five-years/. The second was published at   https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/business-human-rights-environment/business-and-human-rights/5-year-anniversary-brumadinho-letter-investors. The third was published at   https://valorinternational.globo.com/business/news/2024/01/15/brumadinho-is-partially-repaired-5-years-after-disaster.ghtml

                  On 25 January 2019, a dam collapsed in Brumadinho Brazil, killed 272 people and nearly 12 million cubic metres of toxic mud cascaded through local communities and into water systems. Despite the warnings about the dam's stability, Germany company TUV SUD's subsidiary had certified the dam as safe. Operations continued which ultimately led to the disaster. On the fifth anniversary, victims of the Brumadinho disaster travelled more than 9,000 km to Munich, to demand justice at TUV SUD's headquarters, hand in a letter and read the names of the 272 fatal victims. Among them was Karine Naiara Andrade who lost her sister, Natália in the tragedy. Karine said, "five years ago, our lives were turned upside down in a way we will never fully recover from. We are here today asking to be seen, heard, for the pain we are suffering to be understood. We are asking for our fellow claimants to receive the compensation they deserve." Guy Robson, Partner at the  law firm Pogust Goodhead who was at the event in Munich said: "today, we reflect on the loss and suffering that continues to affect so many. The tragedy in Brumadinho has left a deep scar on the local environment. It has also left an equally deep scar on victims who can't get the closure they deserve as TUV SUD tries to drag out proceedings. TUV SUD has refused to compensate them since the dam collapsed five years ago. They should now do the right thing and bring this ongoing suffering to an end." In our pursuit of justice on behalf of our clients, we remain deeply troubled by the prolonged struggle for compensation from TUV SUD. It is disheartening that, even after five years, the path to justice and fair compensation remains elusive for our clients." Bruna Ficklscherer, Legal Director at Pogust Goodhead said, "TUV SUD's role in this disaster can not be understated. The delay in compensating those affected only adds to the anguish of the victims. We continue to call for accountability and transparency in the legal proceedings, urging TUV SUD to expedite the compensation process. We'll continue fighting for justice for the victims whose lives and livelihoods were ripped apart by the Brumadinho disaster."                                                                          On the fifth anniversary of the Brumadinho dam disaster, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is one of 13 civil society organisations launching a global coalition to engage with investors in Vale. the company responsible for Brasil's worst environmental and industrial disaster. In a letter marking the catastrophic event, NGOs invite investors to go beyond company reports and come see the situation for themselves on the ground. Five years later, Vale still has to honour its commitment to repairing the damage it has caused and providing justice to affected families and communities. The latter live in a heavily contaminated environment and are afraid that another mining disaster could happen at any time: 27 dams are operating under emergency protocols and two dams are at risk of rupture. FIDH and its partners wrote to investors to re-evaluate their engagement with Vale in the light of its role in the Brumadinho tragedy and visit the site to speak to local organisations and witness the long-lasting impacts of the burst and current mining issues which would be preventable.                                                                                                                                  The sign at the entrance to the city of Brumadinho, im Minas Gerais, with 270 white roses representing the fatalities of the collapse of the dam at mining giant Vale's Corrego do Feijão mine on January 25, 2019, shows that the memory of the disaster is still alive in the minds of residents. On the eve of the fifth anniversary of the disaster, Vale presented the progress made in the last year in terms of reparations and compensation. Victims have criticized the delay in bringing to justice and punishing those responsible for the dam collapse, as well as the delay in implementing some of the reparations projects. Vale reported that it has already paid R$25.6 billion of the R$37.7 billion reparation agreement signed in 2021 with the M.G. state government, the federal government and the judicial bodies, which should be concluded by 2030. In terms of compensation, R$3.5 billion has been paid to 15,400 people who signed legal agreements. In addition to this amount, Vale paid R$2.4 billion for comprehensive assistance to victims before the settlement. It also spent R$2.2 billion out of a total of R$4.4 billion from the income transfer program, which has been managed by the FGV since the end of 2021. Flávia Soares, Vale's Economic Development Manager for reparations, mentioned a series of projects in the Corrego do Feijão district aimed at strengthening the local economy. She said, "in 2023, almost R$500,000 were generated by the 51 people involved in the many projects." For the families of the victims, the failure of the courts to punish the perpetrators is an open wound. For three years, a criminal case against 16 people for aggravated homicide and environmental crimes for the dam collapse has been pending in the M.G. courts, in January 2023, at the request of the defense of two defendants, the case was transferred to a federal court. Josiane Melo, a board member of the Association of Families of Victims and Affected People. She said, "we believe that impunity allows the crime to be repeated."  She also said that there is a lot of repair work to be done and relatives of the victims are waiting to enter the Income Transfer Program (PTR). FGV Andre Andrade, Executive of the FGV estimates that the final number of beneficiaries will be around 150,000. The PTR brings a 50% increase in family income to the region. "The compensation and assistance programs certainly have a significant impact on the minucipality's GDP", said Brumadinho's Planning and Coordination Secretary, Norberto Ribeiro. The secretary said that Brumadinho has 38,640 inhabitants, but there is a floating population, present in the city due to the aid given by Vale or the increase in jobs offered in the reparation work, which brings the contingent to 50,000 people.                                                                                                                        

International Anti-Corruption Day 2023 - Part II

                           This post is a summary of two articles. The first was published at    https://www.transparency.org.nz/blog/anti-corruption-day-2023. The second was published at   https://ritusacademy.com/international-anti-corruption-day-2023/

                                The 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day seeks to highlight the link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development. Corruption not only follows conflict, but is also frequently one of its root causes. It fuels conflict and inhibits peace processes by undermining rule of law, worsening poverty, and providing financing for armed conflict. Tackling corruption is the right and responsibility of everyone, and only through cooperation and the involvement of every person and institution can we build peace, security and development. This day is a celebration of the progress in the fight against corruption since it was initiated, and a reminder that there is still a lot of work to be done.                                                                                                                                             The theme of International Anti-Corruption Day 2023 is 'Uniting the World Against Corruption.' This theme celebrates the 20th anniversary of the U.N. Convention against corruption and highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and achieving peace, security and development. The theme emphasizes several key points: 1) Celebrating the achievements of U.N. Convention Anti-Corruption (UNCAC). 2) Recognizing the ongoing challenges. 3) Calling for collective action. Addressing corruption requires a united approach that involves governments, civil society, private sector and individuals. 4) Focusing on the links between anti-corruption and peace, security and development.    Corruption manifests in various forms, from bribery to frauds. Its impact is felt across sectors, impeding economic growth, hindering sustainable development and exacerbating inequality. Developing nations often bear the brunt of corruption, with resources intended for public welfare diverted into the pockets of the corrupt few. Transparent and accountable governance is pivotal, and institutions must be equipped to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices. In the digital age, tech plays a crucial role in anti-corruption initiatives. Blockchain, A.I. and open data platforms have the potential to enhance transparency, making it more difficult for corrupt practices to go unnoticed. Despite progress, challenges persist in the fight against corruption. Weak institutions, lack of enforcement and a culture of impunity pose hurdles. Efforts such as the UNCAC and the work of organizations like Transparency International serve as beacons in the global fight against corruption. Education and awareness are key components of anti-corruption strategies. Empowering people with  knowledge and tools to combat corruption is crucial for building societies based on integrity and ethical principles.  Social media platforms have become powerful tools for citizens to expose corruption and mobilize public support for anti-corruption initiatives. Ethical leadership, both in the public and private sectors, sets the tone for a value-driven society. Institutions fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency contribute to building resilience against the corrosive effects of corruption. While legal frameworks are essential, their effectiveness depends on robust implementation and enforcement. International Anti-Corruption Day calls for a holistic approach that goes beyond legislation, emphasizing the need for a strategy encompassing education, public awareness and the creation of an environment where corruption is not tolerated. Grand corruption, involving high-level officials and vast sums of money, poses a  threat. International collaboration, extradition treaties, and the pursuit of justice for grand corruption cases demonstrate the commitment of the international community to holding the powerful accountable. Efforts to recover stolen assets and curb money laundering contribute to dismantling the infrastructure that supports grand corruption. The role of citizens in demanding transparency and accountability can't be overstated. Movements and civil society organizations play a vital role in holding governments and institutions accountable. An impartial and independent judiciary is fundamental in the battle against corruption. International Anti-Corruption emphasizes the significance of safeguarding judicial integrity. Judicial systems that are free from political interference and corruption are better equipped to prosecute wrongdoers and ensure that justice is served. The establishment of anti-corruption courts contribute to building a resilient legal framework. To gauge the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are essential. Regular assessments, independent audits and performance evaluation ensure that policies translate into tangible outcomes. Empowering people with knowledge about the detrimental effects of corruption and instilling values of integrity are pivotal aspects of the anti-corruption agenda. While International Anti-Corruption Day serves as an annual reminder, the fight against corruption requires sustained, long-term commitment. Building a corruption-free world demands ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions, nurture a culture of transparency and cultivate ethical leadership. The ultimate goal is to create a legacy, where corruption is an aberration of the past, and societies thrive on principles of justice, integrity and accountability. A free and independent media plays a critical role in exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable. Investigative journalism brings to light cases of corruption, informs the public and acts as a catalyst for change. This day underscores the importance of safeguarding media freedom and supporting journalists who fearlessly pursue the truth. Efforts to recover and repatriate stolen assets are integral to the anti-corruption agenda. International cooperation in tracking and returning ill-gotten gains ensures that the proceeds of corruption are redirected towards public welfare. Mutual legal assistance agreements and collaboration among financial institutions are crucial components of these efforts. While tech presents innovative solutions to combat corruption, it also introduces new challenges. Cybersecurity threats, digital fraud and the misuse of tech for corrupt purpose require ongoing attention. Strengthening whistleblower protection laws encourage individuals to come forward with information about corrupt practices without fear of retaliation and also provide incentives for reporting. Integrating ethics education into curricula at all levels promotes a values-based approach to combating corruption. The role of education in shaping ethical decision-making and fostering a culture where individuals from a young age, understand the importance of integrity and accountability. International Anti-Corruption Day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to fight corruption and build a more fair and equitable world. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability and ethical governance, we can pave the way for a future free from the shackles of corruption. 

International Anti-Corruption Day - 2023

                                 I'd like to dedicate this post to Thiago Rodrigues, pre candidate to mayor of Guarujá murdered last month. A little more than one month ago, precisely on 9th December, the whole world celebrated the importance to fight corruption. This year there will be election in October, so let's see what the candidates will promise to help us in this important fight, ask them about it. The public money must be very well used, so that we can have better schools, better hospitals, better security, better streets and roads, better jobs, greater development, less inequality, less injustice. To sum things up a more functional government and consequently a better country for all. The fight against corruption is very important,  so we all should be involved in this fight, because the theft of public resources harm us all. But we all should know that this fight is not easy, activists for this important ethical cause can suffer persecution, including having their political rights systematically disrespected. The people should not be naive, there are many people that are not interested in this activism, in this fight. This post is a summary of three articles. The first was published at  https://www.un.org/en/observances/anti-corruption-day The second was published at  https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/international-anti-corruption-day-2023/    The third was published at https://commissioners.ec.europa.eu/news/statement-commissioner-home-affairs-ylva-johansson-international-anti-corruption-day-2023-12-09_en

                            The U.N. Convention against Corruption at 20: Uniting the world against corruption. The world today faces some of its greatest challenges in many generations, challenges, which threaten prosperity and stability for people across the globe. The plague of corruption is interwined in most of them. Corruption has negative impacts on every aspect of society and is profoundly interwined with conflict and instability, jeopardizing social and economic development and undermining democratic institutions and the rule of law. Corruption fuels conflict and inhibits peace processes by undermining the rule of law, worsening poverty, facilitating the illicit use of resources, and providing financing for armed conflict. Preventing corruption, promoting transparency, and strengthening institutions is crucial, if the targets foreseen in the Sustainable Development Goals are to be met. The 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security and development. At its core is the notion that tackling this crime is the right and responsibility of everyone, and that only through cooperation and the involvement of every person and institution can we overcome the negative impact of this crime, we all have a role to play in uniting the world against corruption. Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slow economic development and contributes to governmental instability. Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires, whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes. On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the U.N. Convention Against Corruption and designated 9th December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it.                                                                                                                                                              International Anti-Corruption Day is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption on societies and economies worldwide. It serves as a call to action to combat corruption, promote transparency, and upon ethical values in both public and private sectors. This day is an annual event that emphasizes the need to tackle corruption and its far-reaching consequences. Corruption undermines trust in institutions, hampers economic development, and erodes justice. Here are 5 ways to get involved in the fight against corruption: 1) Use social media, educational forums, and community discussions to raise awareness about the negative impacts of corruption and the importance of combating it. 2) Support anti-corruption organizations. Contribute to or volunteer with organizations working to combat corruption locally or internationally. 3) Support efforts to improve governmental transparency. 4) If you encounter corruption or unethical behavior, report it through the appropriate channels. Whistleblower protection lwas exist in many countries to safeguard those who report corruption. 5) Familiarize yourself with anti-corruption laws and conventions in your country and around the world. Know your rights and responsibilities.                                                                                                             Corruption is highly damaging to society, to our democracies, to the economy and to individuals. With the legal proposals on anti-corruption adopted on 3rd May 2023, the European Commission placed a strong focus on preventing and creating a culture of integrity, in which corruption is not tolerated. We put forward strengthened rules criminalising corruption offences and harmonised penalties across the E.U. The proposal also included the creation of the E.U. Network against corruption. The Network is a forum for all key stakeholders in the E.U. to exchange good practices, opportunities, ideas and plans for further work on anti-corruption measures. Through its annual Rule of Law reports, the commission also monitors anti-corruption developments at national level, identifies challenges and issues recommendations to Member States. 

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Democracy and Good Governance

                      This post is a summary of the book with the title above published in 2021 at https://rm.coe.int/study-on-the-impact-of-digital-transformation-on-democracy-and-good-go/1680a3b9f9

                  There are various debates at play on the future of democracy in the digital age. Despite decreasing levels of trust in traditional institutions and politicians, individuals are willing to engage in the public sphere. Digital tech provide additional opportunities to express this engagement: citizens participate in online conversations, consultations and deliberations; contribute online to causes they support, including financially; and share their input that help hold public institutions to account. Increasingly, deliberative forms of democracy have come into play to complement representative democracy, thus enhancing transparency and inclusiveness of the public decision-making process. Overall, digital tech offers ways to enhance the quality of democracy in terms of accountability and responsiveness. Digitalisation can offer public administration new channels to deliver quality services. Embracing digital transformation means also promoting a cultural change in the work of civil servants. Digital transformation has an impact on all aspects of life, from the economy to government, from geopolitics to the way in which ordinary people interact. The Council of Europe work in this area has intensified in the past 3 years, with mandates being given to different intergovernmental committees to look into different aspects relating to technology and its impact on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The 12 Principles of Good Governance are enshrined in the strategy endorsed by Council of Europe in 2008. They are: 1) Participation, representation and fair conduct of elections. 2) Responsiveness. 3) Efficiency and effectiveness. 4) Openness and transparency. 5) Rule of law. 6) Ethical conduct. 7) Competence and capacity. 8) Innovation and openness to change. 9) Sustainability and long-term orientation. 10) Sound financial management. 11) Human rights, cultural diversity and social cohesion. 12) accountability. Whether in the area of democracy or in the area of government and public administration, when adequate safeguards are in place, tech can play a vital role in strengthening the implementation of all these principles, thus improving the quality of government, meeting people's needs and expectations, and ultimately contributing to greater trust in public institutions. Despite the manifold opportunities digital tech offer to strengthen democracy and governance, digital tech might also adversely affect the enjoyment of individual rights and freedoms, for instance as regards privacy and data protection. Many argue that liberal democracy is in crisis or has come under attack. However, there is no consensus about the causes of the crisis nor on the role digital tech play with regards to it. Some elements of democracy are being challenged and losing ground while others are acquiring greater prominence. It is hard to say whether this is a problem or rather an evolution of democracy. For instance, for many years Europe States have witnessed a disenchantment with representative democracy, which is epitomised by declining participation rates in elections and support for traditional political parties. At the same time, new political actors and movements have arisen. Democracy is not a static system. On the contrary, one way to think about the current crisis is that another moment have arrived that requires democracy to evolve. Citizens are demanding a kind of democracy that is more responsive. The solution is thus not to limit democracy, but to deepen it further in what has been called the 'democratization of democracy'. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy. They require independent public opinion formation. Digital tech form an important part of the information system voters rely on. Digital tech have reshaped the ways in which people express their will. For democracy to function, a well-informed public is needed. In the digital age, information circulates on a global scale. The main motivation for digitalisation in the public sector is to increase efficiency and thus reduce costs. In addition, it is believed that digitalisation will free public officials from routine activites that can best be automated. Digital transformation, democracy and good governance have a fundamental feature in common: they are dynamic processes. They evolve over time. being influenced by a great number of internal and external factors. These processes are closely interwined and impact on each other in an unprecedented way at the present time which is often referred to as 'the digital age'. The digitalisation of the public sector has experienced a rapid acceleration in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. During such challenging times, the ability to 'go digital' has greatly contributed to the resilience of public action, ensuring that democratic institutions could continue to work and public services to be delivered. In parallel, however, digitalisation exposes democracy to new vulnerabilities at hands of hostile private and public actors. To harness the potential of digital transformation to strengthen democracy, governments will need to equip themselves for a cultural change: flexibility, self-evaluation, continuous learning, I.T. skills will be necessary to enable public officials to use tech and prevent negative consequences.