We, the participating Anti-Corruption Agencies and related organizations, gathered in Putrajaya, hereby declare our commitment to the principles outlined in this document, known as the Putrajaya Declaration of Southeast Asian Anti-Corruption Agencies,

Recognizing the critical importance of preventing and combating corruption to promote good governance, sustainable development, and the well-being of our societies;

Reaffirming our commitment to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), particularly Article 6 and Article 36, which calls for anti-corruption bodies to prevent and combat corruption with the necessary independence and the resources to do so;

Acknowledging the guidance provided by the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies, which outlines key elements for ensuring the effectiveness and impartiality of such agencies;

Emphasizing the vital role of independent anti-corruption agencies in ensuring accountability, transparency, and the rule of law;

Realizing that the development and maintenance of effective independent anti-corruption agencies can be challenging, requiring sustained effort and commitment;

Recognizing the role of non-states actors including civil society organizations, private sector, media, academia, and other stakeholders in preventing and combating corruption.

We do hereby declare the following:

1. Support for Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies: We express our strong support for the establishment and strengthening of independent anti-corruption agencies in all jurisdictions. We recognize these agencies as essential institutions for preventing and combating corruption effectively.

2. Collective Action: We acknowledge that building and sustaining Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies require collective action. We commit to working together, sharing our experiences, and providing mutual support to overcome the challenges involved, and invite other relevant stakeholders to join us in this endeavours.

3. Information Sharing: We recognize the importance of information sharing as a critical element in combating corruption. We commit to enhancing cooperation and collaboration in the exchange of information, including with the private sector, within the bounds of our respective legal frameworks, to support effective investigations and prosecutions.

4. Sharing Best Practices: We commit to sharing best practices in the development and operation of Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies. This includes, inter alia, sharing knowledge on effective investigative and emerging techniques, prevention strategies, asset recovery mechanisms, and measures to ensure accountability and transparency.

5. Engagement and Advocacy: We recognize that fostering a culture of integrity and combating corruption requires a multi-faceted approach. We commit to promoting these principles through advocacy, engagement, and constructive dialogue, working collaboratively with governments, international organizations, civil society organizations, the private sector, media, academia, and other stakeholders.

6. Research and Education: We encourage the research and education on anti-corruption undertaken by national and international organizations. We welcome the development of methodologies to measure the effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Agencies, such as the one developed by the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) in close cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and all other partners. We invite all Anti-Corruption Agencies to participate in such research and education efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of respective agencies.

7. Promoting UNCAC and the Jakarta Statement: We commit to actively promoting the implementation of UNCAC, particularly Article 6 and Article 36, and the principles of the Jakarta Statement, including the Colombo Commentary thereon, within our respective jurisdictions and throughout the region.

This Putrajaya Declaration of Southeast Asian Anti-Corruption Agencies represents our shared commitment to building a future free from corruption, where integrity and accountability prevail.