The Global Fight against Corruption Comes to Montreux
29 September 2015
Over 150 international investigators are meeting in Montreux, Switzerland this week for the 16th Conference of International Investigators. Hosted for the first time by the Global Fund Office of the Inspector General, the conference brings together investigators from United Nations agencies, development banks and international organizations.
Founded originally by Franz-Hermann Brüner, Director-General of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) from 2000- 2009, the conference is one of the leading annual forums for investigators to discuss the latest methods to prevent and disrupt fraud and corruption. OLAF remains a key partner for the conference providing both financial support and experts for the training sessions that precede the conference.
Mouhamadou Diagne, Inspector General of the Global Fund, declared “As the Global Fund Office of the Inspector General celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, we are delighted to be able to host this conference and facilitate international cooperation between all investigative offices in the global fight against fraud and corruption.”
This year, the Global Fund Office of the Inspector General has proposed the theme of “those we impact”, introducing human rights on to the conference agenda for the first time. “The impact of our work can literally mean life or death,” said Katie Hodson, Head of Investigations at the Global Fund Office of the Inspector General and Conference Chair. “For example, stolen medicine means that a patient may not receive lifesaving treatment; human rights violations can lead to a denial of basic health services for vulnerable and marginalized people. Our investigations help to ensure that funds are used properly and that the programs they finance have the greatest impact.”
The Franz-Hermann Brüner Memorial Lecture honors the contribution made by the conference founder and his lifelong work to develop an international network of investigators. This year, Michael Kirby will give the lecture. Former Justice of the High Court of Australia, Michael Kirby is a renowned human rights expert and AIDS activist.
Conference participants will discuss the following topics: the latest techniques and theory in interviewing; fraud prevention programs; how to access data during the course of an investigation and what are the limits due to data privacy protection; the latest software for building up intelligence and more.
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The Office of the Inspector General safeguards the assets, investments, reputation and sustainability of the Global Fund by ensuring that it takes the right action to defeat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Through audits, investigations and consultancy work, it promotes good practice, reduces risk and reports fully and transparently on abuse.
Established in 2005, the Office of the Inspector General is an independent yet integral part of the Global Fund. It is accountable to the Board through its Audit and Ethics Committee and serves the interests of all Global Fund stakeholders. Its work conforms to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Uniform Guidelines for Investigations of the Conference of International Investigators.
The Global Fund believes that every dollar counts and has zero tolerance for fraud, corruption and waste. Through its whistle-blowing channels, the Office of the Inspector General encourages all to speak out to report fraud, abuse and human rights violations that prevent Global Fund resources from reaching those who need them.