UN Convention Against Corruption: 10th Conference of the States Parties (CoSP10)

The Conference of the States Parties (CoSP) is the main decision-making body of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). All states that have ratified the UNCAC are automatically part of the Conference of the State Parties. Other states (signatories and non-signatories), intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organizations can apply for observer status at CoSP sessions.

The CoSP meets every two years and adopts resolutions and decisions aimed at building States parties’ capacity and cooperation to achieve the convention’s objectives as well as promoting and reviewing its implementation. It operates under Rules of Procedure adopted by the Conference.

Why we need a strong resolution on public procurement

This year, the CoSP will discuss its first ever resolution on public procurement. Public procurement matters. When open, fair and sustainable, it will better serve the people and protect the planet. But right now, public procurement is broken. One in three dollars is spent on public contracts, yet, too many governments don’t seem to know what they are buying and selling, for how much, when and with whom they are dealing. It’s government’s number one corruption risk. That’s why we need a strong public procurement resolution.

Open letter: In an open letter, more than 100 civil society organizations from more than 60 countries are calling on the UNCAC States Parties to advance a strong resolution. Read the letter.

Policy Briefings submitted to the UNCAC CoSP10:
Promoting gender-responsive public procurement
Advancing beneficial ownership transparency in public procurement
Digitizing public procurement systems to prevent and combat corruption

Checklist: Check out our checklist for a strong public procurement resolution.

OCP will be on the ground to ensure this happens and open contracting principles and approaches are integrated.

Meet us at these side events

In addition, we will organize and participate in several pre-events to share best practice and lessons from around the world.

1. The Civil Society Forum (Sunday 10 December, 11.45-17.00 EST), co-organized by the UNCAC Coalition, will recognize and celebrate the role civil society plays in anti-corruption efforts and elevate the voices of civil society and youth activists in the lead up to the Conference. Our breakout session on Public Procurement Transparency will take place at 12:30pm.
2. Lightening Panel (11 December, 7:30-9:39am): Join our ED Gavin Hayman for a panel over breakfast: Aligning incentives for business, government & civil society to address anti-corruption priorities effectively. Register here.
3. Our virtual session: Digitizing public procurement for integrity (12 December, 9.00 EST). We will hear from partners in a range of country contexts on how governments can buy faster and smarter through data & digitization in public procurement, and make sure strong reforms are sustained over time. Register here.