UNODC, International IDEA and IFES Launch Global Initiative on Political Finance Transparency and Integrity
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), with support from the Government of Norway, are launching a new global initiative to counter corruption and strengthen integrity in political finance.
This new initiative will advance the implementation of Resolution 11/7 adopted in December 2025 by the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption on Preventing and Combating Corruption through Enhancing Transparency in the Funding of Political Parties, Candidatures for Elected Public Office and Electoral Campaigns. Resolution 11/7 is a significant milestone in global anti-corruption efforts as the first internationally agreed framework dedicated to political finance transparency and integrity. The initiative builds on that momentum by supporting countries to strengthen their legal frameworks and oversight capacities, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in political finance.
What is next
For the remainder of 2026, UNODC, International IDEA and IFES will leverage their complementary expertise and extensive global networks of key stakeholders to support countries in advancing the implementation of resolution 11/7. The initiative will involve relevant public institutions such as election management bodies, election tribunals, oversight bodies, anti-corruption agencies and supreme audit institutions. This will include the establishment of an international network of political finance oversight bodies and anti-corruption agencies. It will also bring together law enforcement actors and financial intelligence units, to strengthen inter-agency coordination and information-sharing in the prevention, detection and investigation of political finance-related violations.
More broadly, through engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and organizations working on anticorruption, democracy and elections, and human rights, the initiative promotes cooperation and supports reform at the global, regional and national levels.
As part of the initiative two regional events will be jointly convened in 2026, one in Panama City and one in Nairobi. These events will bring together institutions to examine the implementation of resolution 11/7 from a regional perspective, identify regulatory gaps, develop practical solutions and road maps for future cooperation and capacity development.
UNODC, International IDEA and IFES will also deliver targeted technical assistance to countries upon request and develop a methodology to assess countries' adherence to the standards set out in the resolution. By advancing international cooperation, supporting national implementation efforts and delivering technical assistance, UNODC, International IDEA and IFES seek to contribute to more transparent, accountable and resilient democratic institutions. These initial activities will lay the foundation for an expanded programme in 2027 and beyond, supporting countries across the globe to translate the commitments set out in resolution 11/7 into meaningful and lasting outcomes.
Learn more about the Global Initiative for Political Finance Transparency and Integrity
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