The Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (the GlobE Network) concluded its plenary meeting in Beijing on Friday, with a consensus on anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation approved at the meeting.
The Beijing Consensus on Law Enforcement Cooperation and Denial of Safe Haven for Corruption was passed during a high-level forum of the four-day meeting.
The consensus reiterates the GlobE Network's zero-tolerance against corruption and pledges respect for sovereign equality and differences in laws. It aims to promote anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation to prevent and combat corruption with concerted efforts. "The great differences in political systems and legal systems among countries have posed great difficulties and challenges for carrying out anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation. The Beijing Consensus proposes to establish a secure and encrypted information sharing platform which can promote information sharing while ensuring national security and personal privacy, thus playing a very important role in cracking down on transnational organized crimes," said Guo Yong, dean of the Institute of Discipline Inspection and Supervision of Tsinghua University.
China has organized the "Sky Net" operation for ten consecutive years hunting down corruption suspects who have fled abroad, using extradition, repatriation, and other methods to repatriate more than 13,000 fugitives from over 120 countries and regions, and recovered 63.1 billion yuan (about 9 billion U.S. dollars) in illicit funds.
Currently, China has concluded more than 170 extradition treaties, judicial assistance treaties, and asset return and sharing agreements with more than 80 countries, and signed financial intelligence exchange and cooperation agreements with more than 60 countries and regions.
The National Commission of Supervision of China has also established working contacts with anti-corruption agencies of more than 100 countries, and has promoted bilateral law enforcement agency cooperation mechanisms through high-level leadership exchanges.
Established in 2021, the GlobE Network is the world's most represented anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation platform.
Anti-corruption body GlobE Network passes Beijing consensus
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed strong optimism in the upcoming G20 Summit reaching fruitful results in an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV) prior to the 19th G20 Summit in Brazil.
The 19th G20 Summit is to take place in Brazil's city of Rio de Janeiro from Nov 18 to 19, under the theme of 'building a just world and a sustainable planet'. The summit will seek to address several global issues and development challenges, according to the Brazilian president.
"We will initiate the establishment of the Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty. I believe this is a remarkable initiative, proposed within the G20 but also open to all countries worldwide. Additionally, we are delving deeply into discussions on energy transition and climate issues. Research has proven that humanity has no viable living space beyond the Earth. Therefore, rather than seeking other planets, we should focus on improving the quality of the Earth's water and air, enabling us to live with dignity and respect," he said.
"At the same time, we aim to revisit the Bretton Woods system, particularly the roles of financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Currently, these institutions are not serving their intended purpose of helping developing countries in need of financing. Instead, they have become tools of oppression on impoverished nations. Today, Africa's debt has reached 900 billion U.S. dollars, and the interest payments surpass the investments these nations can make in development. I am advocating for converting part of African nations' debt to investments in infrastructure within Africa. We will also advance women's empowerment to ensure they can participate equally in political, economic and cultural activities," Lula added.
"Therefore, I am highly optimistic that this will be a productive and friendly G20 Leaders' Summit. I believe it will be a learning opportunity for all of us. Moreover, many people will be introduced to the magnificent city of Rio de Janeiro for the first time," he further said.
Created in 1999, the G20 is a main forum for international cooperation on financial and economic issues. It comprises the European Union, the African Union and 19 countries, including China and Brazil.
Brazil's president optimistic about G20 summit's outcomes
