CORRUPTION never yields positive outcomes; instead, it creates challenges, tragedies, inequalities, and injustices in society. It disregards the suffering of victims, promotes biased and unequal decisions, and triggers regrettable consequences. By turning wrong into right and unfair into fair, corruption undermines all ethical considerations.

The United Nations stated that the campaign for Interna­tional Anti-Corruption Day 2024-2025 focuses on the role young guardians of integrity play as advocates, raising awareness about corruption and its impacts on their communities. They will actively participate in discussions, share their experiences and propose innovative solutions to combat corruption. The campaign will amplify the voices of integrity leaders of tomorrow, allowing them to express their concerns and aspirations, with the hope that their appeals will be heard and acted upon.

The theme for the 2024 International Anti-Corrup­tion Day is “Uniting with Youth against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”. This theme emphasizes the crucial role of young people in anti-cor­ruption efforts. Raising aware­ness among youth is essential to inspire their determination and spirit to combat corruption in all areas. Equipping them with knowledge and strategies to protect society from corrup­tion is vital for fostering indi­vidual integrity and uplifting societal values.

Anti-corruption com­missions or bodies should be established in every country worldwide. These entities must operate under impartial rules and regulations. Officials with­in these commissions must perform their duties free from corruption. Only by ensuring their integrity can the mission and vision of eradicating cor­ruption be truly achieved.

On the other hand, poor decisions by relevant anti-corruption bodies cannot contribute to building a society free from corruption. Even if these bodies ignore, neglect, or remain silent on corrupt cases, it can be argued that they are complicit in corruption. This is because the State has entrusted these bodies with the authority to determine right from wrong in corruption cases. Only when anti-corruption authorities are free from corruption will society prosper.

Although any society cannot totally eradicate corruption, every­body needs to participate in efforts of anti-corruption as much as possible. Anti-corruption efforts in Myanmar are progressing grad­ually. These efforts are essential for building a modern, developed nation and establishing a Union based on democracy and federalism, which the people aspire to. If the country is largely free from cor­ruption, citizens will be able to conduct their work and businesses without fear. As a result, the rule of law will prevail, fostering safe and secure societies for all.