This year’s International Anti-Corruption Day is a reminder that corruption undermines the potential of the largest generation of young people in history – 1.9 billion strong – nearly a quarter of the world’s population, with 90 per cent residing in developing countries. That includes depriving youth of access to education, jobs, public services, and opportunities today. Corruption also accelerates the climate, nature, and pollution crises that will have even more profound effects on the rights and aspirations of the generations to come.

Across the world, young people are spearheading the push for a future rooted in integrity and fairness, including leveraging innovative tools like AI, blockchain, and social media. A recent example is the award-winning #PasstheBaton campaign against corruption in Iraq. Using platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, it engages young people in conversations on transparency and accountability, encouraging them to "pass the baton" of integrity. Supported by the Government of Iraq, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the campaign amassed 65 million views in just ten days, demonstrating the potential of youth-driven digital advocacy. Globally, UNDP has supported the establishment of youth-led anti-corruption networks across Asia, the Pacific and the Arab States regions that involve universities, civil society, and the private sector. This includes tools and guidance to help young entrepreneurs to embed integrity into their business. Moreover, UNDP supports anti-corruption training courses for young people across the world. “I am a lawyer by trade but as a trainer and advocate I have discovered that I am truly committed to empowering the future leaders of my country, witnessing their enthusiasm and determination in the fight against corruption,” says Solomon Kalu, one of the trainers in the Solomon Islands.

Such support, including empowering young people, is predicated on UNDP’s zero tolerance for fraud and corruption. The organization remains committed to continuous improvements in transparency and accountability through rigorous independent evaluations, robust investigations, and adherence to the highest ethical standards. That includes preventing, identifying and addressing acts of fraud and corruption through raising awareness of fraud risks, implementing controls, and enforcing the Anti-Fraud Policy. Recognising the status of UNDP personnel as stewards of public funds, UNDP is committed to maintaining and promoting a culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability. Moreover, resources such as open.undp.org offer public visibility into data on all of UNDP’s projects, many of which involve young people as a key component. 

As the Pact for the Future underlines, specific efforts are needed to prevent and combat illicit financial flows, corruption, money-laundering, and tax evasion to close the growing SDG financing gap faced by developing countries, which will ultimately determine the trajectory of communities across the world. 

As part of these efforts, UNDP launched a global initiative to measure corruption, which ultimately aims to help direct efforts to where they are needed most. In all of these vital areas, UNDP is working with our partners to advance new ways to enable young people to lead and bring their perspectives into decision-making across 115 countries. Corruption can unquestionably ‘steal’ futures. However, by strengthening institutions, advancing transparency, and uniting with youth against corruption, we can reclaim them. 

Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 

The theme for International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 #IACD2024 is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity.” Read UNDP’s Anti-Fraud Policy here.