Central Asian Countries Advance Joint Anti-Corruption Efforts at Second Annual Conference of the Regional Platform for the Fast-Tracking the Implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption and the CABIN Meeting

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – 12 November 2025.

Governments, business leaders, and civil society from across Central Asia convened in Bishkek for the Second Annual Conference of the Regional Platform for Fast-Tracking the Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the meeting of the Central Asian Business Integrity Network (CABIN).

This high-level event, held on 12-13 November 2025, was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Kyrgyz Republic, and supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with financial contributions from the Governments of the United States and Denmark.

The Conference brought together more than 60 representatives of public authorities, civil society and non-governmental organizations, the business sector, and students of the Law Enforcement Academy of the Kyrgyz Republic to reflect on progress made in 2025, including strengthened engagement between government institutions, civil society and the private sector; the exchange of good practices; the drafting of model legislation; the development of methodological materials on whistleblowing and asset recovery; and the establishment of effective prevention mechanisms.

Strengthening Collective Anti-Corruption Action in Central Asia

Opening the conference, Mr. Baimurza Maatov, First Deputy Prosecutor General of the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized the importance of strong regional cooperation in meeting UNCAC commitments.
He stated: “The United Nations Convention against Corruption serves as a cornerstone document shaping Kyrgyzstan’s strategy for preventing and combating corruption. Cooperation with international partners plays a crucial role in strengthening legal institutions and increasing transparency in public governance.”

His remarks set the tone for two days of substantive discussions on UNCAC implementation priorities, including asset recovery, prevention of conflicts of interest, protection of whistle-blowers, digitalization, and addressing risks associated with crypto-assets.

Working Toward a Unified Regional Voice at CoSP 11

A key focus of this year’s conference was the development of a joint regional position and a regional draft resolution to be presented at the 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP) to the UNCAC in Doha in December 2025.

Representing Uzbekistan, Ms. Umida Tukhtasheva, Deputy Director of the Anti-Corruption Agency, noted:
“We hope that the Regional Resolution will enhance effective anti-corruption action in Central Asia, given the region’s shared challenges and interconnected governance, economic, and social systems.”

Her intervention underscored the constructive spirit of the meeting and the commitment of the five Central Asian countries to speak with a stronger, coordinated voice at the global level.

Business Integrity and the Role of the Private Sector

Discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening integrity within the business sector.
Ms. Nodira Zikrillaeva, Compliance Officer at Uzbekistan Airways, stressed the need for greater empowerment and protection of compliance professionals:
“Compliance in the business sphere is critically important. At the same time, reviews of internal anti-corruption compliance units show a growing need to strengthen the protection and independence of compliance staff, as well as to formalize the procedures governing their work.”

Her remarks reflected private-sector demand for clearer standards, safer reporting environments, and stronger compliance structures under CABIN.

Engaging Civil Society and Strengthening Public Participation

Civil society representatives contributed important perspectives on enhancing transparency and community engagement.

Mr. Mels Semgaliev, Head of an Anti-Corruption NGO "Zanaru" Kazakhstan, emphasized the crucial role of whole-of-society participation in creating sustainable change:
“All parts of society — governments, businesses, civil society and especially young people — must be actively involved in anti-corruption efforts. Sustainable change is only possible when every segment of the population understands its role and contributes to building a culture of integrity.”

His intervention highlighted the vital contribution of youth and community organizations to long-term behavioral change and public accountability.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Regional Platform for Fast-Tracking the UNCAC Implementation will focus on deepening preventive anti-corruption measures across the public sector, strengthening business integrity and corporate compliance, and enhancing regional cooperation on asset recovery and financial investigations.

The Platform will also continue supporting civil society and youth engagement, promoting integrity education, and facilitating regional peer-learning across government institutions, law enforcement, and the private sector. In addition, efforts will be directed toward building professional capacities, improving cross-border information exchange through the GlobE Network, and generating analytical resources to monitor progress and guide the next phase of UNCAC implementation in Central Asia.

Ссылка на источник: https://www.unodc.org/roca/en/NEWS/2025/central-asian-countries-advance-joint-anti-corruption-effort...