Established: November 2001
Endorsing Countries: 28 countries,17 initial endorsements and 11 subsequent endorsements (as of 1 November 2007)
Open to: Governments of the Asia and Pacific region
Website for updated information
Full convention text

The ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Action Plan was developed as part of the anti-corruption initiative for Asia and the Pacific taken up by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It establishes a non-binding framework of action for Asia-Pacific countries in relation to the public sector, private sector and civil society. Twenty eight countries have endorsed the plan as of November 2007.

Recognising that corruption is a formidable yet manageable problem affecting social welfare, political stability and economic growth, the action plan defines the participating countries' objectives and describes how reform will be implemented.

The ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Action Plan is based on three pillars relating to the public sector, private sector and civil society.

• Pillar 1 consists of developing effective and transparent systems covering integrity in the public service as well as its accountability and transparency. This includes issues such as hiring and promotion, codes of conduct, procurement and fiscal transparency, as well as transparency in political party funding.
• Pillar 2 aims at strengthening anti-bribery actions and promoting integrity in business operations. This calls for ensuring the existence and enforcement of anti-bribery legislation and associated anti-money laundering legislation, as well as for international cooperation in legal proceedings. It also calls for measures to promote corporate responsibility and accountability.
• Pillar 3 calls for supporting active public involvement through such measures as public awareness campaigns, public reporting requirements, public access to information and whistleblower protection.

The implementation plan determines the approach to put the goals outlined in the pillars into practice. This section outlines the three core principles of implementation: identifying country priorities, reviewing progress and providing assistance. Also, the implementation plan describes the actors and mechanisms in implementation: country representatives, regional steering group, the secretariat and supporting advisory group as well as funding.

The ADB/OECD Action Plan provides for the Regional Steering Group to review country progress, serve as a forum for information exchange and promote dialogue with stakeholders in order to mobilise donor support.

Download the summary overview for additional information about the action plan and its strengths and weaknesses.