International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually on 9thDecembersince the passage of the United Nations Convention against Corruption on 31st October 2003 to raise public awareness for anti-corruption.
This year’s observation commences on Monday 9th December, 2024 under the theme “Uniting with Youth against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.
The campaign for International Anti-Corruption Day 2024-2025 focuses on the role the youth as young guardians of integrity can play as advocates, to raise awareness about corruption and its impacts on their communities.
The campaign will be launched on International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 and run until International Anti-Corruption Day 2025. The campaign will seamlessly lead into the eleventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (CoSP11) in Doha, Qatar, in2025where young people will have the opportunity to present their appeals directly to world leaders, urging them to support a future where they can thrive free from corruption.
Throughout countries observing International Anti-Corruption Day, activities are to be held to encourage the youth to actively participate in discussions, share their experiences and propose innovative solutions to combat corruption.
The campaign aims to 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.
The campaign seeks to encourage youth to advocate for accountability and to actively participate in anti-corruption efforts. It also seeks to effectively promote a culture of integrity across the public and private sectors and build a generation that stands up to corruption.
The youth can be affected by corruption; however, they also have the potential to become powerful agents of change in the fight for a future rooted in integrity.
Education is key in the fight for integrity and accountability, hence it is important that the youth are taught the values of transparency, accountability and integrity from an early age. The inclusion of discussions on these and other relevant topics within school’s curriculum is therefore encouraged.
The Integrity Commission of Dominica in observing International Anti- Corruption Day has throughout the years conducted activities which have involved the youth. This year’s theme “Uniting with Youth against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” is significant and opportune. Activities will be planned throughout the year under the theme to engage the youth specifically.
These activities will be aimed at promoting honest and ethical behaviour with in their social circles. Young people will be encouraged to practice integrity from a tender age.
The youth are the leaders of tomorrow; the objective of this year’s campaign, therefore, is to ensure they make a meaningful resolution to guarantee integrity thrives in all our Nations.
MR. STEPHENSON HYACINTH
CHAIRMAN, INTEGRITY COMMISSION
