Combating corruption : International Anti-Corruption Day 2024-2025

Ranjan K Baruah *

We know that corruption is a global crisis that affects us all, undermining institutions and impacting individuals, countries and societies. Its acerbic effects drain resources , intensify inequalities, fuel disagreement and weaken democracies. We have seen it very closely in a country like India.

We could have been a developed nation in case corruption could be erased from the country. At the same time our world confronts numerous challenges, tragedies, inequalities and injustices, many of which are attached 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.

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. Youth should actively participate in discussions, share their experiences and propose innovative solutions to combat corruption.

We are aware that corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires, whose only reason for existing is the solicitation of bribes.

On 31 October 2003, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as the secretariat for the Convention's Conference of States Parties (resolution 58/4).

Since then, 190 parties have com-mitted to the Convention's anti-corruption obligations, showing near-universal recognition of the importance of good governance, accountability, and political commitment.

The UN General Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it.

The Convention entered into force in December 2005. We know that 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.

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.

The world has hope amongst young people and hence it is important for the young people to actively take part in activities which can minimize corruption.

There are many organizations which work against corruption and practice ethical activities. Though there is no specific course related to combating corruption, students from any stream may actively participate in this field. One may study Social Work, Public Policy, Good Governance, etc.

One may also take up media studies and get associated with campaigns against corruption.

Building a just world and a sustainable planet is only possible if corruption doesn't stand in the way and united we can combat corruption and all young people must take it up as a challenge to end up corruption for which they may choose this field as their career choice where they can get professionally engaged and con-tribute in a better way.