Secretariat - Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities

Good governance of both the public and private sectors, as well as strong democratic institutions, are essential for economic growth and environmental protection. Stable states with transparent policies attract foreign and domestic investment, enabling governments to reduce poverty and inequality, increase social integration and protect the environment. Accountable and transparent administrations with active public participation can also ensure that concerns over environmental damage are voiced. Participating States have called on the OSCE to assist them in combating corruption by helping them implement international commitments, such as the UN Convention against Corruption. All activities are closely co-ordinated with partner organisations, such as UNODC.

Areas of activity

The OCEEA assists participating States in improving good governance and fighting corruption through the following activities:

• promoting the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption and other international instruments;
• organising national and regional training on international legal instruments and best practices;
• promoting dialogue between governments and civil society;
• supporting the creation and running of advocacy and legal advice centres;
• distributing the OSCE Handbook "Best Practices in Combating Corruption" (available in seven languages) and promoting it through regional and national events;
• assisting in the capacity building of institutions, especially in training civil servants;
• helping to improve municipal governance.

Combating organised crime

The fight against corruption is closely linked to combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism, as well as to the fight against trafficking in human beings, especially within the context of organised crime. The OCEEA strives to address these threats comprehensively, focusing on economic crime and profits generated by illegal activities. Action to prevent and combat economic crime can only be effective, however, if it is co-ordinated and carried out internationally.