Every year on December 9th, the world unites to observe International Anti-Corruption Day, a reminder of the pervasive impact of corruption on societies and the necessity of collective action to combat it. This year’s celebration, under the theme “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace, and Security”, highlights the critical link between integrity and sustainable progress.
The International Anti Corruption Day was established in 2003 following the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), a landmark global agreement aimed at preventing and combating corruption in all its forms. Today, 188 countries are parties to the convention, signifying a widespread acknowledgment of the threat corruption poses to governance, economic development and social justice.
The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about corruption’s detrimental effects, foster transparency, and encourage governments, businesses and civil society to act decisively against it.
Corruption undermines the foundations of democracy, distorts markets, and exacerbates inequality. According to the World Bank, an estimated $1 trillion is paid in bribes annually, while another $2.6 trillion is lost to corruption—a sum equivalent to more than 5% of the global GDP. These staggering figures illustrate how corruption drains public resources that could be used for education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
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Moreover, corruption erodes public trust, fuels political instability, and impedes the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals related to poverty reduction, justice, and strong institutions.
This year’s events included conferences, panel discussions, and community initiatives designed to spark dialogue and action. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Transparency International spearheaded global campaigns to shed light on how corruption hinders development and exacerbates crises, from climate change to conflicts.
In Vienna, a high-level symposium brought together policymakers, anti corruption experts, and youth leaders to share strategies for promoting accountability. In Lagos, Nigeria, grassroots organisations organsed street marches and workshops to engage citizens in anti corruption efforts. Meanwhile, social media campaigns, including hashtags like United Against Corruption and no to corruption, amplified the message worldwide
This year’s celebration also highlighted successful anti corruption efforts. In Kenya, digital platforms for reporting bribery in public offices have seen increased participation, empowering citizens to hold officials accountable. Estonia, known for its governance model, has leveraged technology to ensure transparency in public procurement, significantly reducing opportunities for corruption.
These examples demonstrate that innovative solutions, coupled with robust legal frameworks, can create significant progress.
What lies ahead? While progress has been made, the fight against corruption remains challenging. Weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws, lack of political will, and sophisticated corruption networks hinder reform efforts in many regions. The private sector, too, has a critical role to play in ensuring ethical business practices and zero tolerance for corrupt activities.
The 2024 International Anti Corruption Day is a poignant reminder that corruption is not just a legal or political issue it is a moral one. It requires collaboration across sectors and borders to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency.
As the world moves forward, the message is clear: defeating corruption is a prerequisite for achieving a fairer, more equitable world. By standing united, governments, businesses and citizens can dismantle corruption and create societies where justice and prosperity prevail.
Saleh Abubakar Dawa, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri
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