11 June 2012, by Lizzie Johnson, Transparency International.

The UNCAC Coalition is pleased to announce the formalisation of its working relationship with the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC).

The first partnership of its kind with the Coalition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been developed to enable GOPAC to work closely with the UNCAC Coalition. Following the Coalition’s Charter, Coalition members must comprise of civil society organisations or individual members. GOPAC, being an organisation of parliamentarians, is not strictly a civil society organisation, so has been offered a special relationship to partner with the Coalition through this agreement.

Entering into force on 11 June 2012, the MOU grants each organisation “special observer status” which consists of access to international public UNCAC Coalition and GOPAC events, as well as access to publications and internal mailing lists. The MOU creates a framework of understanding between the parties, enabling them to work together on the basis of respect, equality and mutual benefit. This means that the Coalition and GOPAC will prepare and advocate on common positions, share information, promote joint civil society and parliamentarian efforts in support of the UNCAC.

The UNCAC Coalition looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship with GOPAC.