Let’s create change in 2020!

As we embrace a new year and a new decade, it’s time to reflect on how corruption eats away at things we all care about, from fundamental human rights to socio-economic equality and environmental protection.

Around the world, corruption made headlines, sparked demonstrations and toppled governments in what should be a wake-up call for leaders to follow through on their commitments and make good on old promises as well as new, meaningful resolutions.

To give all of us some inspiration, here are three anti-corruption wishes we should have for us, the international community and our planet for 2020:

1. People power to transform countries - Corruption is continually deepening the crisis of democracy in many parts of the world. Research shows that countries with higher rates of public sector corruption have weaker democratic institutions, depriving citizens of political and human rights.

Last year, people lost patience and took to the streets to demand that their governments serve public interest. We may see more protests in 2020 if political leaders don’t take urgent steps to eradicate corruption and make their countries a liveable place for all citizens.

2. Advanced economies to end complicity in corruption abroad - Strong measures are needed by relatively ‘clean’ countries that often enable cross-border corruption by maintaining loopholes and failing to prosecute foreign bribery by corporations. This has consequences for societies all over the globe.

In 2019, we saw actors from the world’s most advanced economies, including those in the European Union, facilitating grand corruption and money laundering across continents.

Ending corporate secrecy and reining in banks and financial intermediaries of dirty deals must be among our top priorities for 2020.

3. Climate action to be free from corruption - Where corruption goes unchecked, this has devastating consequences for the environment, too. With 2019’s biggest (and arguably least fruitful) climate conference just a few weeks back, the impact of corruption on the climate crisis is still on our minds and will be in 2020. From undue influence and lobbying to repressions against environmental defenders, corruption exacerbates the catastrophic consequences of global heating.

While the results of COP25 a few weeks ago have been disappointing, we must alljoin Greta Thunberg, the Power of the Youth and the TIME Person of the Year, andkeep advocating for clean climate finance. It might not be too late to turn things around, but we can only do that if we make sure climate funds reach those who need them and free global climate policy from undue influence.

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Let’s look to the new year with hope and create room for anti-corruption progress to accelerate and some negative trends to reverse.

Let me conclude with a note of caution. There is risk in exposing people involved in corruption. Work in a group rather than alone.

And remember: the youth deserve an end to corruption. Young people are not just our future. They are key to creating a just, peaceful and prosperous world right now – here and abroad!!!

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