December 9 marks International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), a global opportunity to reflect on efforts to combat corruption and its impact on society. The 2024 theme, ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity’, highlights the vital role young people play in creating a corruption-free future. This year’s focus amplifies the voices of youth as changemakers, advocating for stronger accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.

In 2003, the international community came together to endorse a landmark treaty – the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Over the past two decades, 191 parties have ratified the Convention, reflecting a near-universal consensus on the importance of good governance, accountability, and political commitment.

Corruption is widely acknowledged as a significant crime that undermines social and economic development across all societies. No country is immune to corruption. The consequences of corruption have far-reaching impacts, affecting peace, security, development, democracy, health, education, the environment, sport, gender equality, and justice. According to the UN, corruption “undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development, and contributes to government instability.” Addressing corruption remains a critical challenge to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Preventing corruption can strengthen democracies, governance systems, and civil society. Everyone has a role to play in the collective efforts to combat corruption and promote peace, security, and development.

The Role of Youth in Fighting Corruption

The theme for International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity, highlights the pivotal role young people play in fostering a culture of integrity. With their energy, creativity, and commitment to fairness, they are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also active participants in shaping today's policies and practices. Youth are often the most impacted by corruption with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reporting:

“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.”

Through advocacy, innovation, and activism, young people can challenge the status quo and foster a culture of integrity. Initiatives led by youth organisations globally demonstrate the power of grassroots movements in promoting ethical behaviour and transparency. UNODC is committed to empowering young people to fight corruption. This year’s campaign aims to give youth the tools and platforms they need to advocate for integrity and accountability.

‘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.’ – UN

Australia’s Efforts and the Youth Perspective

In Australia, addressing corruption remains a priority. The establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in 2023 has strengthened federal efforts, while state-based bodies such as Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) continue to combat misconduct.

Recent findings from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions show a relatively high level of trust in Australian public institutions:

• Australians place high trust in the police (68%) and the courts and judicial system (59%).
• Australian’s trust in the federal government has also increased significantly from 38% in 2021 to 46% in 2023. This exceeds the OECD average of 39%, placing Australia in the top 10 of the 30 countries surveyed.

However, tackling corruption requires more than institutional oversight. Educating and engaging young people remains vital to building a culture of integrity and implementing systemic reform.

Taking Action on International Anti-Corruption Day 2024

On International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, individuals and organisations can unite with youth to amplify their impact:

• Spreading Awareness: Use social media, educational forums, and local discussions to highlight the harmful impacts of corruption. Campaign for the need to counter all forms of corruption.
• Supporting Anti-Corruption Groups: Volunteer with organisations and groups dedicated to these efforts. Your participation can make a meaningful difference locally and globally.
• Promoting Transparency: Advocate for transparency and accountability in governmental and commercial practices, and support initiatives that strengthen these efforts in your community and or workplace.
• Reporting Corruption: Take a stand against corruption by reporting any unethical conduct through appropriate channels.
• Understanding Anti-Corruption Laws: Deepen your knowledge of anti-corruption laws and conventions. Being informed about your rights and responsibilities is vital in the fight against corruption.

The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility that requires vigilance, informed action, and commitment from every sector of society. By taking these steps, we contribute to creating an environment of integrity, securing the foundations of democracy and sustainable development for the future.

Join IBAC’s International Anti-Corruption Day Webinar IBAC invites you to its International Anti-Corruption Day webinar: From insight to action: Intelligence-based corruption prevention on 9 December 2024, 12:30-1:30pm.

The event will feature a panel of experts discussing practical tools and strategies to support the public sector in strengthening integrity. Panellists include:

• David Wolf, IBAC Deputy Commissioner
• Linda Timothy, IBAC Executive Director of Prevention and Communication
• Tracey Chung, Victorian Department of Health Integrity Unit Manager

Facilitated by IBAC CEO Alison Byrne, the webinar will also include a Q&A session with the audience.

This event is open to employees in the Victorian public sector, local government, and the wider Victorian community. It will include live captions and Auslan interpretation. For additional accessibility support, contact engage@ibac.vic.gov.au.

You can register for the webinar, here.

Conclusion

International Anti-Corruption Day is more than a day of reflection—it’s a call to action. By uniting with youth, we can cultivate a global culture that values transparency, equity, and justice. This day also serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold integrity and address corruption at all levels of society.

Actions such as raising awareness, supporting anti-corruption organisations, promoting transparency, and reporting unethical practices are crucial steps. By actively involving youth in these efforts, individuals and communities can contribute to building a fairer and more accountable world. Let us stand together, not just on 9 December but every day, to promote integrity and build a brighter future for generations to come.

Resources

• Corruption and the sustainable development goals (UN Library)
• Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC)
• International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 (United Nations)
• International Anti-Corruption Day 2024: Theme (United Nations)
• Media Statement: Public institutions are well trusted in Australia (Australian Government)
• National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)
• Sustainable Development Goals (UN)
• United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UN)

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A participant in the UN Global Compact, CourtHeath seeks to raise awareness about the sustainable development goals and the principles of the Global Compact with business and government organisations in Victoria.

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IMAGE (detail): UNODC