IAACA Knowledge Nexus Webinar Series - Whistleblower Protection
18 November 2025
Capacity Building Programme
BACKGROUND
Whistleblower protection is a cornerstone of the global fight against corruption, empowering individuals to expose misconduct and upholding transparency across public and private sectors. Yet, whistleblowers often face retaliation, legal risks, and social stigma, threatening the integrity of anti-corruption efforts worldwide.
Aligned with the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA)'s mission to enhance experience sharing, this webinar brings together distinguished speakers from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) of Republic of Korea, and the National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC) of Italy. Together, they will explore cutting-edge legal safeguards, practical strategies, corruption prevention measures, and pivotal role of stakeholders in supporting these courageous voices.
OBJECTIVES
This webinar will deliver compelling insights into whistleblowing protection, with the following focused objectives:
- Identifying current barriers and ethical dilemmas specific to whistleblower protection, emphasizing its direct impact on strengthening anti-corruption frameworks;
- Evaluating tailored risk management strategies, legal safeguards, and support systems to enhance the safety and efficacy of whistleblowers; and
- Fostering international cooperation to develop standardized whistleblower protection policies and hence bolstering global integrity.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Officers in anti-corruption authorities responsible for corruption investigation, corruption prevention, and integrity education, and those who are interested in the topic.
DATE & TIME
18 November 2025 (Tuesday)
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm (Hong Kong time, UTC +8)
LANGUAGE
English
PROGRAMME
| Hong Kong Time (UTC+8) |
Programme |
|---|---|
| 4:45 pm | Registration |
| 5:00 pm | Introductory Remarks |
| 5:05 pm |
Topic: International standards and good practices related to the protection of whistle-blowers Speaker:
Dr Louise Portas Brief introduction: This presentation will provide a brief overview on the international standards applicable to define "who is a whistle-blower" and the work that UNODC is doing to provide technical assistance to States Parties to UNCAC to strengthen their whistle-blower protection and reporting systems. |
| 5:25 pm |
Topic: Whistleblower Protection Practices in the Republic of Korea Speaker:
Ms Sue Yeon CHO Brief introduction: This session will outline the critical importance of whistleblower protection in fighting prevention. Ms CHO will share insights on practical strategies on whistleblower protection, as well as ACRC"s experience to support these courageous voices in the Republic of Korea. |
| 5:45 pm |
Topic: The EU Directive on Reporting Persons six years after: what have we learnt? Speaker:
Ms Laura Valli Brief introduction: This presentation will outline the EU Directive"s impact on the legal framework of EU Member States on how whistleblowing systems have been enhanced and become more effective, and how the EU Network for Integrity and Whistleblowing (NEIWA) has helped countries in the EU Directive"s implementation and its role for the future. Ms Valli will also share the Italian experience in bringing ANAC and civil society together to support whistle-blowers. |
| 6:05 pm | Q&A Session |
| 6:30 pm | End of Programme |
