9 th December 2022: International Anti-Corruption Day

Summary :

International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated on December 9 every year to commemorate the signing of United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The theme for this year is “Uniting the World
against Corruption” which emphasizes how the world collectively can fight against corrupt practices. The core idea is that fighting this crime is everyone's job, and that the only way to lessen its impact is for everyone and every institution to work together. There needs to be a global coalition against corruption, which includes states, government officials, civil workers, law enforcement personnel, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academics, the public, and young people. It also needs to communicate the message of anti-corruption to the masses to work together. It is important to note that the 2022 IACD marks the start of efforts to mark the twentieth anniversary of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

Every year on International Anti-Corruption Day, Transparency International Pakistan, a leading player in the fight against corruption in Pakistan, arranges seminars and walks across Pakistan with various stakeholders to bring attention to corruption and the need for strong anti-corruption laws and their implementation in order to make Pakistan a corruption-free country. This year TI Pakistan arranged walks and seminars in 12 districts across four provinces of Pakistan in which people from Government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth participated in tackling corruption. Walks and seminars were arranged in Tando AllahYaar, Sukkur, Hyderabad districts in Sindh province; Vehari, Multan, Bahawalnagar districts in Punjab province; Buner, Kohat, Chitral districts in KP province; Surab and Lasbella districts in Balochistan province and Chillas district in Gilgit Baltistan. A total of 512 citizens participated in these events including 94 females.

A speech competition was arranged in a college of District Sukkur, in which 50 female students participated. They highlighted how corruption steals dreams from young people and effects their ability to live in safe, just and inclusive societies. They also said that the future of the world's 1.8 billion young people is contingent on having access to fair opportunities and a level playing field. Therefore, they have a significant stake in the fight against corruption. Other speakers emphasized youth to play their role in promoting integrity as they are a powerful agent of change by bringing innovative and necessary solutions
within their communities.

In activities held in other districts, the speakers highlighted how corruption has eroded the economy and brought misery, inequality, and injustice to the society. Speakers and the participants pointed out that corruption is more dangerous to vulnerable segments of the society often resulting into a disproportionate effect on minorities and women. Citizens were of the opinion that the government should take strong action against corrupt practices, and punish the individuals responsible for corruption.

TI Pakistan also released its National Corruption Perception Survey 2022, comprising the perception of levels and frequency of corruption perceived by the Pakistani Citizens. The findings of NCPS were also discussed during different events. TI-P activities were widely covered in Print and electronic media.

The Pictures and News coverage details of the other events are below: