Why education is key to combating corruption?

 

To achieve the difficult and complex objective of preventing and countering corruption, it is increasingly recognized that there needs to be a whole-of-society approach. It is not the responsibility of governments and law enforcement alone to prevent corruption. Other actors in society, such as young people, educators and non-governmental organizations, to name a few, have an important role to play in building an environment where integrity is valued and where corruption is rejected.


Anti-corruption education is key to building a culture of integrity. Through increased knowledge of the corruption risks and effects, it is possible to foster attitudes that do not tolerate corruption and develop skills that empower individuals to resist social and cultural pressures when faced with corrupt practices.

Individuals’ choices have an impact. Teaching about the values of ethics and integrity from a young age and throughout one’s educational journey is a fundamental approach that should be fostered by both public and private institutions, as well as civil society.

The United Nations Convention against Corruption underscores the importance of raising public awareness about and increasing knowledge of the threats posed by corruption, with a special emphasis on the role of targeted public education programmes in schools and universities. The political declaration, adopted by the General Assembly at its special session against corruption in 2021, also places anti-corruption education and training at the core of a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to promote transparency, accountability and integrity, recognizing the crucial role of young people as agents of change.