Speeches

Launch of the International Anti-Corruption Day

Posted by Media Team 2 December 2024

Bula Vinaka from the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC).

I am pleased to formally launch FICAC’s 2024 observance on the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) scheduled for Monday 9th December 2024. The global theme for IACD 2024 is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”. The theme places a strong emphasis on the significant role young people play in the fight against corruption.

Here at home, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) continuously endeavour to embark on a mission to reinforce the integration of the principles of Good Governance and Integrity into Fiji’s civil service, public and private sectors. FICAC’s theme for commemorating IACD 2024 is “Support FICAC to Fight Corruption, Promote Transparency and Uphold Integrity in Whole of Government and Society”. Our theme stresses the important fact that fighting corruption requires the active participation of all members of society to ensure a more transparent, efficient, and equitable world. FICAC alone cannot fight corruption on its own. Preventing and combating corruption requires a comprehensive approach, but only in an environment of transparency, accountability and integrity.

FICAC’s work against corruption is guided by the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) standards that is encapsulated in our FICAC Act; and is also framed by the 2030 Agenda and the imperatives of meeting the commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals, which were adopted by all United Nations Member States, including Fiji, in 2015, provide a shared blueprint for all countries to work together for peace and prosperity for all people and for all the planet.

The indirect consequences of corruption are even larger, such as undermining governments’ ability to serve public interests, corroding the rule of law, and eroding trust in government institutions. Where systematic corruption exacerbates and affects all state functions, it becomes a serious threat to security and could result in disorder, civil strife or conflict, with significant long-term destabilizing and debilitating effects.

From FICAC’s perspective, fighting corruption is not only an aim for itself, but it is also the most effective way to achieve progress in the country’s Sustainable Development agenda. Anti-corruption efforts across generations are key for sustainable development. The global theme for IACD 2024 is significant as youths being leaders of today and tomorrow, possess the vision and innovative ideas needed to create a future rooted in integrity.

Young people are just as affected by corruption as others in society. Corruption can affect youth prospects for a decent future and employment, as well as impede access to education, health care and other basic services. Youths in Fiji have a major stake in countering corruption. Youths need to play a critical role in building a more just, equitable, resilient and sustainable world, an essential part of which involves countering corruption. As such, youths’ public demonstrations of their determination to deliver with the utmost integrity and participate actively in combating corruption sends a powerful message.

FICAC will commemorate the International Anti-Corruption Day on Monday 9th December 2024 with a march commencing at 9:00am from the Suva Flea Market to Albert Park, followed by a formal program to observe this special day. The IACD march will also include representatives from FICAC’s stakeholder organisations and anti-corruption partners who are demonstrating their strong support and continuous partnership in the fight against corruption in Fiji.

Fighting corruption, is everyone’s civic duty, however it is not an easy task. Let us recognise that corruption is not just a social disease to be eradicated, but rather a built-in feature of governance interactions. It is therefore important to strengthen governance systems, mechanisms, laws, institutions and anti-corruption frameworks to address this complex phenomenon.

Let us commit to being the advocates of this cause. Let us motivate people to participate in our struggle. We all need to be united in this fight against corruption and we need you our counterpart for our fight to be a success.

I encourage all leaders and citizens to support FICAC and join us in our fight against corruption in Fiji.

Thank you.