In recognition of International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2025, the International Mediation Institute (IMI) is raising awareness for the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and supporting the UN’s global campaign to fight against corruption.
Corruption is a multifaceted phenomenon with social, political, and economic dimensions. It affects countries worldwide by undermining democratic institutions, hindering economic development, and contributing to governmental instability. The IMI therefore urges everyone to join forces in promoting good governance, accountability, and political commitment.
Prevention of Process Abuse in the IMI Draft Code of Conduct for Mediators
The IMI Draft Code of Conduct for Mediators, currently in its Second Round of Public Consultations, addresses abuse prevention under General Principle 8, Professional Integrity. In light of International Anti-Corruption Day, a deeper understanding of this key principle can help practitioners leverage integrity as a foundation for ethical practice.
To uphold Professional Integrity, mediators must take proactive steps to prevent any abuse of the mediation process. The Draft Code provides explicit guidance, enabling mediators to adapt their approach based on the perceived consequences for the parties and the overall process. Specifically, General Principle 8.5.1. requires mediators to intervene when they identify abuse or substantial defects in the process. The steps they may take include holding discussions with parties, asking parties to consult external experts, postponing the mediation, or terminating the process.
“8.5.1. A mediator shall take steps to prevent an abuse of the mediation process or a substantial defect in the process. Consistent with these Standards, such steps may include discussions with the parties in joint or separate sessions, asking the parties to consult external experts, postponing the mediation, or terminating the mediation as a last resort.”
General Principle 8.5.2. clarifies that abuse of process and substantial defect in a mediation can cover different types of misconduct, such as pursuing unlawful aims, unauthorized information disclosure, procedural misrepresentation, participant bad faith, and settlement agreements that are illegal, unconscionable, or grossly unfair.
“8.5.2. Abuse of process and substantial defect in the mediation may include:
8.5.2.1. The use of mediation to further illegal conduct.
8.5.2.2. The use of information revealed to a mediator during the mediation for any purpose not connected with the mediation, unless agreed to by the parties.
8.5.2.3. Presenting a dispute resolution procedure other than mediation as a mediation to gain the protection of rules or statutes pertaining to mediation.
8.5.2.4. Participants’ conduct that exhibits bad faith, is inconsistent with the purposes of the mediation, or makes the conduct of mediation impossible. Indications of bad faith could include undue pressure, exploitation, duress, and deceit.
8.5.2.5. Where the mediated agreement appears to severely jeopardize the standing of and public trust in mediation. For example, a mediator reasonably believes that the settlement agreement’s terms appear to be illegal, having regard to the circumstances of the case and the competence of the mediator to make such an assessment, or are unconscionable or grossly unfair, “shocking the conscience” of a reasonable person and violate accepted social norms.”
The IMI encourages all practitioners to consider these principles thoughtfully and reaffirm their commitment to professional integrity.
Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity
The United Nations has designated the focus of International Anti-Corruption Day 2024-2025 on the important role that young guardians of integrity play as advocates, raising awareness about corruption and its impacts on their communities. Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier, joined the youth in advancing this message in his statement for International Anti-Corruption Day, calling for systems that are more transparent, fair, and accountable.
He noted that “Creating [this] future is a shared responsibility. It requires open dialogue, joint work, respect for diverse perspectives and a commitment from all of us to strengthen trust wherever we can. Supporting integrity, transparency and ethical behavior benefits everyone.”
The IMI Invites Everyone to Consider 5 Ways to Shape Tomorrow’s Integrity:
- Protecting journalists and whistle-blowers is key to uncovering corruption and confronting economic crime.
- Empowering young people ensures the next generation of leaders uphold integrity and reject corruption.
- Harnessing AI and new technologies transforms how we prevent, detect and disrupt corruption more effectively.
- Exposing corruption helps dismantle economic and organized crime and ensure accountability.
- Strengthening public finance systems and business integrity reduces illicit money flows and builds resilient economies.
Ready to make a difference? Explore the links below to learn more about the theme of integrity and find out how your actions can contribute to the fight against corruption.
- United Nations, Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity
- United Nations, International Anti-Corruption Day – 9 December 2025
- United Nations, 5 Ways to Shape Tomorrow’s Integrity
- Statement by Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier
- Reflections on IMI’s Event “Mediating with Integrity”
