Our world faces complex challenges, rising insecurities and deep injustices, many of which are tied to corruption and economic crime. They drain resources from communities, enable organized crime and weaken institutions meant to protect citizens.
A global youth essay competition held in 2024, which received over 1,300 submissions, revealed that young people feel they are often the first to face the consequences of corruption. They described the consequences of corruption - how underfunded schools limit access to quality education and scarce job opportunities reduce their prospects, how healthcare becomes less accessible and opportunities for participation in public life are restricted. These barriers stifle their personal growth, limit engagement in decision-making and erode trust in justice, institutions and the rule of law.
With 1.9 billion young people in the world today, nearly a quarter of the global population, tackling corruption is essential for securing their future. Yet shaping tomorrow’s integrity starts with the choices we make today. Its success depends on empowering and meaningfully including the next generation in anti-corruption efforts, harnessing emerging technologies and strengthening governance and institutional systems that uphold transparency and accountability. It also requires robust protections for those who courageously speak out and report wrongdoing.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain offer powerful tools to prevent, detect and expose corruption, provided appropriate safeguards against misuse are in place. Young people are at the forefront of this digital transformation, using their skills as innovators, developers and engaged digital citizens to create solutions that increase transparency, broaden access to information and enable secure, anonymous reporting for whistle-blowers.
Integrity in the private sector and ethical business practices are equally vital, ensuring fair opportunities and access to decent jobs for young people. Youth engagement in these efforts helps build transparent, inclusive and accountable workplaces and reinforces ethical standards across society.
Fighting corruption also requires strong international cooperation to dismantle organized crime, curb illicit financial flows and ensure public resources are managed transparently. When governments act with integrity, schools are better funded, public services reach those who need them and citizens, especially youth, can trust institutions to deliver fairly.
Education plays a central role in cultivating a culture of integrity from an early age, shaping a generation that resists corruption, embraces fairness and ethical behaviour and is equipped to contribute to more secure, accountable and transparent societies.
Young people remain at the heart of the fight against corruption. Deeply affected by its consequences, they are uniquely positioned to uphold ethical standards in their communities and challenge corruption at every level. By listening to their voices, supporting their leadership and ensuring they have a meaningful seat at the table, we empower youth to strengthen accountability, uphold integrity and help build corruption-resilient institutions.
Shaping tomorrow’s integrity requires governments, businesses, educational institutions, civil society and young people to unite for a shared purpose: a future where corruption no longer blocks opportunity, undermines progress or erodes trust and where integrity guides the way forward.