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UNODC-IACA ONLINE INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION WINTER SCHOOL - AFRICA EDITION 2023 |
Online, 4-8 December 2023 — This winter, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) welcomed 41 participants from 17 countries in Africa, to the Online International Anti-Corruption Winter School - Africa Edition 2023. The online winter school, took place just a week before the 10th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP) to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), inviting the students to join the efforts against corruption. Bianca Kopp, from UNODC’s Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment Initiative (GRACE) remarked “We realized how important education is and how it has become a cornerstone to strengthen prevention of corruption. This is why we have started to work with new stakeholders, educators, civil society, and youth around the world, to advance anti-corruption education”.
Students learned about the different forms of corruption, the international framework against corruption and understood its impact, particularly how corruption hampers sustainable development. Participants from Angola to Zambia had the opportunity to explore sessions on the connection between Corruption and important issues, such as Governance, Youth Peace and Security, Extractive Industry, Private Sector, Civil Society and Human Rights. “After this session, I will start sharing more information through social media on issues of corruption and used it as a way to educate my fellow young people on prevention of corruption.” expressed Agness Ndemena, a 27-year-old female teacher from Zambia.
The students had the chance to interact with renowned anti-corruption experts and learned about the different theories on the topic, but also practical case studies, examples, made exercises, approached queries, and provided meaningful insights from their country experience. Insights that would serve them both, the youth, and the speakers, to shape a future of ethical governance.
The interactive sessions also allowed the exchange of ideas and to build their own anti-corruption network. “I will start the process of encouraging young people to practice transparency and accountability in both the public and private sector.” affirmed Prince Daniels, a 28-year-old male economist from Liberia.
Students had the opportunity to connect with fellow youth participants and got access to valuable resources for future use and were empowered to take action when it comes to corruption. “I will stop doubting the power of my voice in rooms where corruption is rampant.” Ensured Mpoi Rafolatsane, a 23-year-old female law student from Lesotho.
If you are also interested in being part of an online Anti-Corruption School, be alert on our next call for applications, secure a seat in the following UNODC-IACA Online International Anti-Corruption School editions in 2024 and be a catalyst for positive change!
#UnitedAgainstCorruption — Acting together, let’s create a transparent and corruption-free world!