Illicit financial flows (IFFs) pose a significant challenge to sustainable development by reducing domestic resource mobilization, weakening institutions, and undermining the rule of law. By diverting financial resources from essential public services such as health, education, and infrastructure, IFFs exacerbate inequality, constrain inclusive economic growth, and hinder long-term development outcomes. Addressing IFFs is a key component of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with Sustainable Development Goal Target 16.4 calling for a substantial reduction of such flows by 2030, monitored through SDG Indicator 16.4.1 on the total value of inward and outward illicit financial flows.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), as custodian agencies, have developed internationally agreed statistical definitions and methodological guidance to support countries in measuring IFFs. Through the Development Account (DA15) project, UN Regional Commissions and partner agencies assist selected countries in strengthening national statistical capacity, promoting evidence-based policymaking, and translating IFF data into effective policy responses.
In this context, ESCAP will convene an interregional capacity-building workshop in Bangkok in February 2026. The workshop aims to facilitate experience-sharing, peer learning, and collaboration among policymakers, statisticians, and international organizations. It will provide a platform for participants to deepen their understanding of statistical tools used to measure and identify IFFs and explore policy measures to curb them.
The workshop will adopt a participatory approach, combining expert presentations, group discussions, peer-to-peer learning, and country-level presentations. Participants will gain insights into the structure, drivers, and impact of IFFs, particularly in relation to their national contexts.
By the end of the workshop, participants are expected to enhance their capacity to utilize IFF estimates generated through UN-endorsed methodologies to shape national strategies and policies. The event will also strengthen collaboration between statistical agencies, regulatory bodies, and policy institutions, fostering more coherent and data-driven approaches to combating illicit financial flows.
