Create change in 2023 and be creative!!!

I hope you got well into the New Year!

Allow me to focus on two topics as we create change in 2023:

Remove Corruption and Be Creative!

As we are heading into 2023, 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 four anti-corruption wishes we should have for us, the local and international community, and our planet for 2023: 

1. People power to transform countries - Corruption is 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. 

In 2022, people lost patience and took to the streets to demand that their governments serve public interest. We may see more protests in 2023 if political leaders don’t take urgent steps to eradicate corruption and make their countries a livable 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.

Ending corporate secrecy and reigning in banks and financial intermediaries of dirty deals must be among our top priorities for 2023. 

3. Climate action to be free from corruption - Where corruption goes unchecked, this has devastating consequences for the environment, too. We need climate action to create a better future for us and our children. Let’s initiate these changes in 2023.

4. Healthcare in 2023 – hopefully free from corruption - Corruption does not stop when health is at stake. Making health services and supplies by government and the private sector free from corruption can only be achieved if adequate safeguards are built into supply chains.

Let’s look to the new year with hope and create room for anti-corruption progresses 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!!!

Finally, let’s be Creative in 2023:

I would like to see this as a motto for the future, understanding that progress requires free space, and can hurt.

Without creative ideas no innovation, without innovation no progress. The key words are ‘creative explosion’ or ‘creative confidence’.

Real creativity challenges the status quo.

If you want to be creative you have to accept the power of change, as

* Creativity is war; all new developments create enemies that will fight to maintain the status quo;

* Creativity is anarchy; developers of ideas want to be heard without taking traditional hierarchies seriously;

* Creativity needs free space as ‘inventors’ will need time and resources to develop new ‘products’.

Creativity is our greatest human asset. Beyond the personal joy of creative expression, creative thinking and problem-solving are key drivers of economic growth. Even though plenty of people may not think of themselves as “creatives,” please accept that everyone has the ability to think creatively.

Feedback to the two topics for 2023 would be appreciated; you can contact me at [email protected]