GRACE: News & Events - Anti-Corruption Workshop for members of UNODC’s YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board

ANTI-CORRUPTION WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS OF UNODC’S YOUTHLED INTEGRITY ADVISORY BOARD

Vienna, Austria, 29-30 April 2025 – Young people across the globe are stepping up as powerful voices in the fight against corruption. As part of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board, they are pushing back against deeply rooted systems, demanding greater transparency, and turning their commitment to integrity into real, impactful change.

In April 2025, 29 YouthLED Board members came to Vienna for a two-day workshop under the Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment (GRACE) Initiative. The workshop was more than a meeting – it was a catalyst. A place where young people could share lived experiences and learn about the work of UNODC as they prepare to implement the “Roadmap to strengthening the role of non-governmental actors (young people, academia and civil society) in the fight against corruption”.

“I am grateful to say that the experience was not only enriching but also profoundly inspiring,” one YouthLED board member said. Another added, “The insights and connections gained during the workshop were truly valuable.” Reflections like these capture the powerful impact of the workshop and underscore why UNODC actively involves young people in anti-corruption efforts. Their voices, ideas, and leadership are essential to building more transparent, accountable, and inclusive societies.

Throughout the workshop, YouthLED Board members emphasized that corruption leaves deep and lasting scars on society, particularly affecting young people. A YouthLED board member captured this reality: "It's a dog-eat-dog world", illustrating how individuals may harm others to succeed in corrupt environments. However, the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board is determined to change the narrative.

What is the impact of corruption on young people?

The young people, coming from all around the world, shared the detrimental effects of corruption on society and young people during interactive sessions throughout the two days:

Inequality and division: Resources and opportunities are concentrated in the hands of a few, widening gaps between communities and fueling social tension.
Stunted development: Corruption hinders progress by diverting resources, eroding trust in institutions, driving away investment, and limiting opportunities for young people.
Displacement: Corruption creates instability, forcing young individuals and their families to leave their homes in search of safety and opportunity.
Broken services and systems: Public systems like healthcare, education, and infrastructure collapse when funds meant for people are stolen for personal gain.

What can young people do?

Participants also discussed the role young people can play in driving change. They agreed that young people are uniquely positioned to challenge systems, shape narratives, and build a more transparent future through their innovative thinking, adaptability, digital literacy, passion, and collective action. Here’s how YouthLED board members are sparking change:

Start from within: be the change you want to see

YouthLED Board members emphasized that the fight against corruption begins from within by living with integrity and making informed, ethical choices every day. They urged their peers to start by holding themselves accountable. Youth are called to educate themselves about corruption in their regions, reflect on their values and how they respond to pressure, question widely accepted norms, and make daily decisions guided by integrity.

Break the silence and engage in dialogue

YouthLED Board members underlined the importance of open, honest, and strategic communication to spark awareness and action. To achieve this, messages must be tailored to different audiences using language and examples that they understand and relate to. Additionally, it's crucial to understand local contexts and tailor messages to reflect the community's values, priorities, and cultural expressions of justice and leadership.

Inspire through creativity

Art speaks when words fail. YouthLED Board members highlighted that creative expression is a powerful way to expose the harms caused by corruption and envision alternative futures rooted in justice and integrity. Through visual art, music, poetry, theatre, film, or dance, young people can challenge perceptions, provoke dialogue, and ignite movements.

Leverage digital platforms

In today’s digital age, social media and online platforms offer powerful tools to amplify voices and mobilize collective action. YouthLED Board members advocated for the creative use of digital tools to raise awareness about corruption, promote transparency, and engage broader audiences.

Build alliances

Corruption is a systemic issue that no individual or group can tackle alone. Therefore, YouthLED Board members emphasized the importance of forming strong alliances with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), civic groups, educators, experts, and local leaders. Collaboration can amplify impact, consolidate resources, and create coordinated efforts to hold institutions accountable.

Educate for impact

Education helps build a collective understanding of corruption and how to resist it. YouthLED Board members called on their peers to take on the role of educators by hosting workshops, developing e-learning content, and using informal settings to engage others. Effective anti-corruption education should be culturally sensitive and tailored to local realities.

Use positive reinforcement

While it is essential to call out corruption and those who perpetuate it, YouthLED Board members also stressed the importance of recognizing and celebrating integrity. Highlighting and rewarding positive examples of ethical behaviour can inspire others to act with courage and honesty. Additionally, it reinforces the idea that doing the right thing is both valuable and respected.

In the heart of their vision lies a powerful call to action: #LearnTeachActWithIntegrity. This pledge captures their commitment to start from within, educate others, and act boldly, guiding every step with integrity. The Taking Action Against Corruption Toolkit - a practical, step-by-step guide created by young people for young people, designed to help them lead with purpose and impact – supports this vision. This workshop was more than just discussions; it was a call to action. The YouthLED Board members left Vienna united, empowered, and ready to transform integrity into action.

Beyond the workshop, the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board currently has the important task of organizing regional consultations with their peers, colleagues, and constituents. These consultations will address youth-related corruption challenges and gather innovative ideas for tackling corruption. The insights gained will contribute to policy documents, which will be presented at the eleventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (CoSP11) in December 2025.

Author

Paulina Leon Avalos served as a Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Intern (Anti-Corruption) at UNODC’ Corruption and Economic Crime Branch. During her internship, she supported the GRACE initiative and contributed to key research and events, including the YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board Anti-Corruption Workshop.