ICAC Chief Woo Ying-ming Attends UN Crime Conference in UAE, Jointly Releases Prison Anti-Corruption Guide
HK01 · 5 SOURCES1 day ago7 MIN
Summary
ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming (胡英明) has wrapped up his official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he attended the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi from September 29 to October 2, 2026 . During the visit, Woo, serving in his dual capacity as ICAC Commissioner and President of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Bodies (IAACB), joined UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director Monica Juma to unveil the jointly developed Prison Corruption Risk Management Guide . The guide represents a collaborative effort spanning over a year, with international experts convening in Hong Kong in November 2025 to share best practices . Woo highlighted that prisons serve as the final line of defense in the judicial system, and corruption within these facilities endangers both staff and inmates while undermining rehabilitation efforts and social stability . Looking ahead, ICAC plans to partner with UNODC from 2027 onward to deliver international training courses that will share Hong Kong's experience in prison management and anti-corruption enforcement with counterparts worldwide .
Key Points
- ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming attended the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi as a member of the Chinese delegation, meeting with UNODC Executive Director Monica Juma
- A Prison Corruption Risk Management Guide jointly developed by ICAC and UNODC was officially released at the conference, with international experts contributing over a year of preparation
- The guide covers personnel recruitment and training, procurement and financial controls, reporting mechanisms, supervisory investigations, intelligence gathering, and prison technology applications
- Starting in 2027, ICAC and UNODC will co-organize international training courses for prison management and anti-corruption enforcement personnel worldwide
- During the visit, Woo held bilateral discussions with the UAE's oversight authority and met with Zhao Liang, Chargé d'affaires of China in the UAE
Why It Matters
This collaboration between ICAC and UNODC marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong's contribution to global anti-corruption efforts, positioning the city as a leader in prison governance and integrity management. The Prison Corruption Risk Management Guide provides a systematic framework that can help prevent corruption in correctional facilities across different jurisdictions, potentially influencing international standards for years to come. The planned international training programme will enable Hong Kong to share its expertise and strengthen diplomatic ties with anti-corruption agencies worldwide .
This collaboration between ICAC and UNODC marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong's contribution to global anti-corruption efforts, positioning the city as a leader in prison governance and integrity management. The Prison Corruption Risk Management Guide provides a systematic framework that can help prevent corruption in correctional facilities across different jurisdictions, potentially influencing international standards for years to come. The planned international training programme will enable Hong Kong to share its expertise and strengthen diplomatic ties with anti-corruption agencies worldwide .