International Anti-Corruption Day, observed annually on December 9, highlights the global fight against corruption and promotes transparency and accountability across public and private institutions.
The 2025 campaign focuses on the theme:
“Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,”
This theme recognises young people as key drivers of ethical governance, innovation and accountability.
Background and Importance
International Anti-Corruption Day was established following the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003. The observance serves as a reminder that corruption undermines democracy, deepens inequality, weakens public trust, and diverts resources from essential services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
With nearly 1.9 billion young people globally, the UN campaign stresses that anti-corruption efforts must actively involve youth as advocates, innovators and watchdogs.
Focus Areas of the 2025 Campaign
The campaign underscores:
- Strong implementation of UNCAC as the global framework for preventing and punishing corruption
- Transparency in governance, public procurement and budgeting
- Protection for whistle-blowers, journalists and activists
- Ethical business practices and compliance systems to ensure fair opportunities, especially for young workers
A key message this year is that corruption disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable communities, making inclusive oversight essential.
Role of Technology and Innovation
Emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and secure digital reporting systems are being promoted as powerful tools to prevent and detect corruption. These innovations can help create tamper-proof records, track public funds and enable safe, anonymous reporting systems.
Young people, as digital natives, are being encouraged to develop apps, platforms, visual dashboards and open-data tools to make governance processes more transparent and accessible.
How Youth Can Lead Change
Youth participation is central to the 2025 theme. Young people can contribute by:
- Learning about forms of corruption—bribery, nepotism, embezzlement and vote-buying
- Refusing to normalize or participate in corrupt behaviour in daily life
- Leading student integrity clubs, youth parliaments and community transparency forums
- Using social media, blogs, street plays, films and campaigns to raise awareness
- Volunteering with NGOs and monitoring local governance and development projects
By advocating for ethical conduct in schools, universities, workplaces and public life, young people help build a culture rooted in honesty, fairness and responsibility.
A Step Toward an Ethical Future
International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 reinforces that prevention must begin with education and participation. As future leaders, voters, entrepreneurs and policymakers, young people have the potential to build stronger institutions and shape a world where integrity is the norm—not the exception.