Young people have dreams and aspirations, but corruption erodes the fabric of society, stifles progress and deprives them of educational opportunities, job prospects, engagement in public life, success in sports and access to healthcare and other essential services. Additionally, it contributes to environmental degradation and climate destruction.
Our world confronts numerous challenges, tragedies, inequalities and injustices, many of which are tied to corruption.
With 1.9 billion young people in the world, fighting corruption is vital for the future of nearly a quarter of the global population.
While young people are significantly affected by corruption, they also have the potential to become powerful agents of change in the fight for a future rooted in integrity.
Young people must demand accountability and actively participate in anti-corruption efforts. To effectively promote a culture of integrity across the public and private sectors and build a generation that stands up to corruption, education is key. It teaches values of transparency, accountability and integrity from an early age.
By promoting integrity and ethical behaviour within their social circles and challenging small-scale corruption at the community level, young people can drive meaningful change.
Additionally, they can develop innovative solutions to address corruption on a global scale. Tech-savvy youth can leverage technologies such as blockchain, AI, online platforms, social media and innovative apps to enhance transparency, increase access to information and create tools that facilitate anonymous reporting of corrupt practices.
We must actively listen to young people, as their ideas today may hold the key to the best solutions for combating corruption and strengthening integrity tomorrow.
Young integrity leaders play a vital role in advocating for dismantling institutional structures that enable corruption, pushing for greater transparency and accountability. Through active participation and reforms, they help create corruption-resilient institutions that reject unethical behaviour.
Addressing corruption leads to a fairer, more transparent society where young individuals have equal opportunities to achieve their dreams. This effort builds trust in institutions and inspires the next generation to actively contribute to creating a better future.
Young people have a clear vision and innovative ideas for a future free from corruption. We must give them a seat at the table, listen to their voices, and involve them in the process. By empowering youth to actively engage and help lead future anti-corruption efforts, we can create lasting change.
Therefore, the campaign for International Anti-Corruption Day 2024-2025 focuses on the role young guardians of integrity play as advocates, raising awareness about corruption and its impacts on their communities. They will actively participate in discussions, share their experiences and propose innovative solutions to combat corruption. The campaign will amplify voices of integrity leaders of tomorrow, allowing them to express their concerns and aspirations, with the hope that their appeals will be heard and acted upon.
Building a just world and a sustainable planet is only possible if corruption doesn’t stand in the way. United, we can combat corruption.
