Brazil, Brasília – From June 9 to 12, 2025, the 2nd G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG), under South Africa’s Presidency, convened in Brasília, bringing together delegates to tackle critical issues in the fight against corruption.
Co-chaired by South Africa and Brazil, the meeting aimed to reinforce priorities that enhance transparency, integrity, and accountability within the public sector, improve asset recovery measures, and bolster participation from civil society, academia, and the private sector, along with enhancing whistleblower protections.
In his opening remarks, South African Ambassador to Brazil, Mr. Vusi Mavimbela, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in this endeavour, stating, “Through our G20 Presidency theme, ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,’ we reaffirm our commitment to advancing collective efforts toward inclusive global economic growth and sustainable development.”
Brazil’s Minister of State for the Office of the Comptroller General, H.E. Mr. Vinícius Marques de Carvalho, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches in anti-corruption efforts. He highlighted the complex nature of corruption and called for a multi-agency strategy that includes diverse perspectives from civil society, academia, and the private sector.
Key discussions centred on the draft G20 High-Level Principles on the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets, providing a framework for G20 countries to effectively manage seized assets and strengthen asset recovery. The Group also reviewed the Zero Draft Ministerial Declaration, which encapsulates the commitment of G20 countries to combat corruption through prevention and will be presented for adoption at the Ministerial Meeting in October 2025.
In addition to the main sessions, a side event co-hosted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) focused on measuring integrity in public procurement, addressing challenges in quantifying corruption and the need for evidence-based methodologies. The UNDP is working to establish a framework for measuring integrity, aiming to collect data from 60 countries by the end of 2025. Another side event, co-hosted by EL PACTO 2.0, discussed preventive measures against corruption and organized crime.
The G20 ACWG also held a joint meeting with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Group on Bribery, reinforcing the shared commitment to combating the bribery of foreign public officials.
This meeting provided valuable opportunities for delegates to exchange views and deepen their understanding of the evolving challenges in the fight against corruption, all framed by the theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. The Working Group acknowledged the considerable work ahead to realize the commitments made at the start of the year, including timely responses to questionnaires and substantive contributions to the draft Ministerial Declaration.
Through these collective efforts, the G20 aims to instil confidence in its commitment to combating corruption and promoting sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for all. As South Africa and Brazil lead this charge, there is hope that the momentum generated will translate into tangible actions, nurturing a global environment where corruption has no place.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Moses Mushi
Director Communication
Department of Public Service and Administration
0123361358
mosesm@dpsa.gov.za