Vienna, June 03, 2021, SPA -- Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres expressed thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for funding Riyadh Initiative to create the GlobE Network during its G20 Presidency last year, calling on all countries to make full use of the network and encourage further efforts to eradicate corruption. During the first special session of the United Nations General Assembly against corruption, which includes launching Riyadh Initiative (GlobE Network), UN Secretary-General said: "Corruption is not only immoral, but is a serious crime and often organized. It crosses borders and siphons off resources for sustainable development". He added that turning the tide against corruption is essential to achieve the sustainable development goals, promote peace, and protect human rights, stressing reinvigoration of the political commitment in this field, strengthening the international cooperation to recover stolen assets, and preventing those responsible for corruption from finding safe havens for themselves and their funds. He said that the creation of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, launched as the United Nations General Assembly holds its First Special Session against corruption, is a step in the right direction. He added that the Network will enable law enforcement authorities to navigate legal processes through informal cooperation across borders, helping to build trust and bring those guilty of corruption to justice. He said that the GlobE Network will empower all countries with practical solutions and tools to track, investigate and prosecute corruption, complementing existing frameworks, adding that the United Nations system will continue to provide technical assistance to fight corruption, backed by the UN Common Position on Corruption agreed in the run up to the Special Session, and based on the United Nations Convention against Corruption. --SPA 20:01 LOCAL TIME 17:01 GMT 0031 www.spa.gov.sa/w1566236