What's Happening?
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's (UNODC) YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board has been actively engaging young people in anti-corruption initiatives globally over the past four years. This board brings youth perspectives into anti-corruption discussions,
helps shape policies, and fosters a culture of integrity within communities. Members like Elisa Orlando from Italy have highlighted the power of young people acting as co-creators of anti-corruption policy and projects, bridging grassroots engagement with global dialogues. The Board has facilitated regional consultations with young people across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe to understand how corruption impacts their lives and to gather recommendations for policymakers. These recommendations were presented at the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (COSP) in Atlanta and Doha. The Board also co-developed a guide titled 'Taking Action Against Corruption: A Step-by-Step Guide by Youth for Youth,' which provides practical steps for young people to understand and address corruption in their communities.
Why It's Important?
The work of the UNODC YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board is crucial for fostering a new generation of leaders committed to integrity and combating corruption. By involving young people directly in policy-making and anti-corruption efforts, the initiative addresses the significant challenges faced by youth, such as limited access to education, employment, and opportunities due to corruption. This engagement ensures that the policies developed are relevant and effective, reflecting the lived experiences of those most affected. The guide developed by the Board empowers young changemakers with practical tools and knowledge, enabling them to take concrete action against corruption while also considering their safety. This proactive approach helps to build more transparent and equitable societies, which is vital for long-term stability and development, particularly in countries where corruption exacerbates inequalities and hinders youth prospects.
What's Next?
As the 2022-2026 mandate of the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board concludes, a new cohort of 43 members representing 46 countries is preparing to continue this work. The overwhelming response, with 1,122 applications from 116 countries for the 2026-2028 cohort, demonstrates a global readiness among young people to actively participate in anti-corruption efforts. The experiences and insights gained by the outgoing Board members will be applied in their communities, organizations, and professions, further amplifying the impact of youth-led integrity initiatives. The ongoing work will focus on building upon the established framework, continuing to bring youth perspectives to global forums, and developing more resources and tools to empower young people in the fight against corruption. This continuous engagement is expected to strengthen global anti-corruption strategies and foster a more inclusive approach to governance.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative by the UNODC YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board highlights a significant shift in how anti-corruption efforts are being conceptualized and implemented. It underscores the ethical imperative of including diverse voices, particularly those of young people, in shaping policies that directly affect their future. This approach moves beyond traditional top-down governance models, promoting a more participatory and democratic process. The emphasis on youth as 'co-creators' rather than mere 'beneficiaries' challenges existing power structures and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among younger generations. This model could serve as a blueprint for addressing other global challenges, demonstrating that meaningful youth engagement is not just about representation but about empowering them to influence policy and lead community-based solutions. It also addresses the long-term societal impact of corruption, which disproportionately affects young people's access to opportunities and their ability to participate in public life.
