By Harrison Arubu
United Nations – The President of the UN General Assembly (PGA), Amb. Tijani Muhammad-Bande, has called for active engagement of young people in the fight against corruption.
“The way we engage young people today will determine the prospects for sustainable development and peace.
“Mobilising and empowering Youth for Justice is key to ensuring sustainable solutions to combating corruption,” he said in a message to mark the 2019 International Anti-Corruption Day.
Referencing findings that an estimated 2.6 trillion dollars is stolen through corruption globally every year, Muhammad-Bande urged stronger international collaboration to check the menace.
He said: “The International Anti-Corruption Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and promote the efforts against corruption and bribery worldwide.
“According to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development’, we need to fully address corruption to have any hope of achieving the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.
“Corruption diverts resources away from poverty-eradication efforts. It fuels conflict and disharmony in society.
“I have set poverty eradication and quality education as key priorities for the 74th Session of the General Assembly.
“Corruption also hinders the achievement of quality education at the same time, education is a crucial element to effectively address the phenomenon of corruption.
“It fosters attitudes that do not tolerate corruption.”
The PGA described corruption as a serious global challenge to which no country is immune.
He, therefore, called on stakeholders to use the day to rededicate themselves to fight against corruption, including through cooperation and partnerships.
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