Integrity should not be for sale says Solomon Islands youth entrepreneur
Honiara (Solomon Islands), 8 October 2020 - Solomon Islands youth entrepreneurs have a key role to play in tackling corruption and building business integrity as the country strengthens its economy and tackles COVID-19, according to local participants of the three-day Business Integrity for Youth Entrepreneurs Workshop.
According to the Solomon Islands Youth Status Report, there are more young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the world today than at any other time in human history. Solomon Islands reflects this global trend. Similarly, young entrepreneurs are a key part of the COVID-19 recovery journey and navigating corruption in economies that are affected by the pandemic can prove difficult.
As such, a Business Integrity Toolkit for Young Entrepreneurs developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangkok Regional Hub, walks young entrepreneurs through the challenges and costs of corruption and offers practical steps and resources on how to create and ensure business integrity.
The workshop encourages “collective action” and opens an important dialogue with existing and potential young entrepreneurs in Solomon Islands on how they can do business with integrity, to create a fair business environment with minimal risk of corruption and a level playing field for all.
"My integrity is not for sale at any price. [In the face of corruption], I value the moral high ground and zero dollars in the bank - we always have a choice!” said Chair of the Youth Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), Ms. Millicent Barty, as she reflects on her own experiences.
Echoing the same sentiments, local tour operator, Mr. Patrick Aluta, was appreciative of the opportunity to share similar experiences with other young entrepreneurs and agreed that other budding youth entrepreneurs would benefit from this similar training.
“I have experienced the impacts of the lack of integrity. It is poisonous to start and maintain a business in such environment. Young entrepreneurs must learn to adapt integrity in business undertakings, uphold accepted business practices and be more meticulous in dealing with corruption,” said Aluta.
