On June 3, 2021, the Governor of the National Transparency Authority (NTA) Mr. Angelos Binis, participated in the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGASS 2021) in New York, which took place from June 2-4, 2021. The purpose of the session was to adopt a political declaration on preventing and fighting corruption, and to strengthen international cooperation among the Member States of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
In his statement, Mr. Binis highlighted the crucial role of technology in the fight against corruption, stressing that modern digital tools facilitate the flow of information, increase transparency and accountability, simplify and automate processes, increase productivity and significantly reduce bureaucracy. In addition, technology and the modern means it provides limit the possibility of fraud, facilitate its detection, reduce administrative costs, increase citizens' trust in institutions and contribute to improving the investment environment.
Giving examples of the NTA’s digital transformation, the Governor referred to the digital tools developed by the Authority to fight corruption and increase transparency and accountability. Taking advantage of modern technology, the NTA has created a wide range of digital tools (e.g. digital applications and platforms, microsites, intranet, etc.), which significantly contribute to the direct and efficient implementation of its multi-level work, strengthening both internal processes within the Authority and coordination between audit bodies.
In addition, Mr. Binis emphasized the awareness of society and the continuous training of public sector officials through targeted actions developed by the Authority, making full use of digital tools offered by distance learning platforms, the Internet and social media channels.
Finally, the Governor of the National Transparency Authority pointed out that technology alone is not enough to fight corruption; a holistic approach is needed, combining political will, the necessary legislative initiatives, good governance, the adoption of preventive measures, as well as a series of actions to raise awareness and inform society.