The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development and the International Anti-Corruption Academy, a global organization dedicated to anti-corruption education and research, last week forged an agreement to work together, paving the way for closer cooperation in the field of anti-corruption.

The two groups signed a memorandum of understanding on July 2 to work together "to boost efforts in promoting the corruption-free business model as a global benchmark and to develop joint projects to combat corruption, including transnational bribery," IACA stated.  "The memorandum also serves as a framework for the sharing of expertise, the delivery of technical assistance, and joint curricula development."

OECD Secretary General Angel Gurría signed the agreement on behalf of the OECD, and IACA's Dean and Executive Secretary, Martin Kreutner, on behalf of IACA.

In the course of the signing ceremony, Kreutner commended the OECD's efforts in the fight against corruption, in particular its Convention on Combating Bribery. “We have achieved some results, but we must not stop there,” he stated. “To safeguard peaceful and inclusive societies, the rule of law, as well as effective and capable institutions, we are called to join forces—internationally, inter-institutionally, and among all sectors of society.”