Observing International Anti-Corruption Day 2024: Uniting With Youth Against Corruption; Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity
Venue: DHA Suffa University Auditorium, Karachi.
Date: 10-12-2024

Transparency International Pakistan organized a seminar in collaboration with DHA Suffa University on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) 2024: Uniting With Youth Against Corruption; Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity in DHA Suffa University Auditorium, on December 10, 2024.

International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated annually on December 9, 2024, to mark the anniversary of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), signed in 2003.

The seminar was aimed at highlighting the role of young people in the fight against corruption and ensuring their inclusion in policy discussions to strengthen the anti-corruption framework for a better future. A total of 77 participants attended the seminar including 56 females.

The seminar commenced with the recitation of Holy Quran followed by the national anthem. Subsequently, Ms Fatima Faiz, a student from DHA Suffa University welcomed the participants and underlined the aims and objectives of the session.

Dr Samreen Bari Amir, Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences DHA Suffa University delivered the opening remarks in which she stated that integrity is a fundamental trait for young people as they are the future of the country. Dr Bari encouraged youth to exercise integrity, accountability, and transparency in their personal lives to promote fairness. She further thanked Transparency International Pakistan for organizing the event and engaging youth in the crucial discussion of national development.

Later on, the Chairman Board of Trustees Transparency International Pakistan and a former Supreme Court Judge Justice (R) Zia Parwez delivered his welcoming remarks and emphasized empowering youth to become ambassadors for transparency and fairness. Justice Perwez urged young people to raise their voices and assert their role in anti-corruption frameworks for national development and prosperity. He also said that it is high time for youth empowerment and that their voices should be reflected in the policy frameworks and decision-making.

Further, Mr Kashif Ali Executive Director of TI Pakistan explained the importance of the IACD underscoring the pivotal role of the young population in promoting good governance, and transparency. Mr Ali stated that there are over 50 million young people in Pakistan, however, their inclusion in the anti-corruption frameworks remains meager. He urged young people to use social accountability tools such as whistle-blower laws, and the right to information to promote and practice good governance conduct vis-à-vis advocating for transparency, accountability, and fairness.

After that, Dr Jawaid Ali, Chief Information Commissioner of Sindh Information Commission shed light on the role of social accountability in promoting anti-corruption using RTI Laws. Dr Ali stated that Sindh has the provincial Transparency and Right to Information Act 2016 under which citizens can obtain information from public bodies and hold them accountable for their actions. He told the participants that the Sindh Information Commission is an autonomous body safeguarding citizens’ right to information. If any public body fails to comply with the Sindh Transparency and RTI Act 2016, the Commission takes action and ensures that requested information is provided. Therefore, he opined that young people can highlight issues, request information and utilize that to seek resolution of problems, thereby promoting fairness in the conduct of public bodies.

Later, Dr Muhammad Ali Ehsan, Assistant Professor, DHA Suffa University and a columnist in the Express Tribune referred to the book Why Nations Fail and said that corruption is the sole enemy of development, underscoring that educational institutions are fundamental in providing training to young minds about transparency and ethics. He linked truth with integrity calling it a cornerstone of individual character that enhances accountability in one’s self. He stated that ethics are also very important for fairness, hence youth should keep in mind ethical conduct and urge other citizens to fight for truth, integrity, and transparency.

Engr. Dr. Johar Farooqi, Director Quality Enhancement Cell, DHA Suffa University delivered his closing remarks. He expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of DHA Suffa University Brig Prof Dr Ahmed Saeed Minhas for organizing this event and taking into account the importance of youth in the fight against corruption.

The seminar was concluded with the distribution of souvenirs to the guests and certificates to the attendees.