Youths at the International Youth Day celebration held at the Fiji National University’s Nasinu Campus.

The Fiji National University (FNU) via the College of Humanities and Education (CHE), in partnership with Integrity Fiji, celebrated International Youth Day to recognise and empower youths to make the right decisions and lead the fight against corruption in Fiji. This year’s theme is Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a Culture of Integrity and Anti-Corruption.

As outlined in FNU’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026, the university is committed to producing work-ready graduates at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with the skills, knowledge, competencies, aptitude and behaviours necessary to succeed in a competitive jobs market, including by establishing new businesses.

Speaking at the event, FNU’s College of Humanities and Education Dean Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said fostering intergenerational solidarity between generations is more necessary than ever to ensure an inclusive and sustainable recovery.

“Our students are the primary reason we exist, and our duty is to provide them with the best possible experience that allows them to develop personally, morally and spiritually as well as intellectually, and to thrive, learn, question and succeed as global citizens,” said Dean Nabobo-Baba.

“I am inspired by the theme, Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a Culture of Integrity and Anti-Corruption. I like the word intergenerational because it implies that adults have a special role in nurturing young people in their life journeys. We need to give young people the knowledge, the wisdom, and indeed the traditional mana to empower them to be great leaders,” Prof Nabobo-Baba said.

“We work with Youth Leaders of Integrity Fiji in our Climate- U Nadaro Project and the Natabua Campus Student Leaders Programme. Integrity Fiji has also supported the Department of Ethics and Governance in the Ethics and Anti-Corruption in Oceania short course.

“We also deeply value our constructive relationship with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption. We look forward to more productive engagement in our degree and research programs in the areas of anti-corruption, values education, and ethical sustainable development. ”

The Manager Corruption Prevention from FICAC, Mrs Kolora Celua, who was a guest at the event said corruption is a serious global problem that is a major bottleneck to achieving sustainable development in all its dimensions—economic, social, and environmental.

“Anti-corruption efforts across generations are key for sustainable development. We must all collaborate to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships to ensure that corruption is prevented and rooted out. A single individual or organisation such as FICAC cannot fight corruption alone. We need to gather and unify all our efforts to bring our game plan to the next level in our continuous fight against corruption. This is also the essence of what we call ‘a whole of society’ approach to combating corruption. As leaders of today and tomorrow, your public demonstrations of your determination to deliver with the utmost integrity and participate actively in combating corruption sends a powerful message,” Celua said.

She further stated that the fight against corruption should matter to the youths because 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. Hence, youth in Fiji have a major stake in countering corruption. Therefore, you need to play a critical role in building a more just, equitable, resilient and sustainable world, an essential part of which involves countering corruption.”

“I acknowledge the creative work done by Integrity Fiji’s Youth Network, namely YOUTHS4INTERGRITY. I also acknowledge the excellent work undertaken by the College of Humanities and Education at Fiji National University.

“In 2021, FICAC, Integrity Fiji, and Transparency International collaborated with FNU to launch the Massive Open Online Courses on the Anti-Corruption Module. Earlier this year, we were very pleased to be part of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption in Oceania Course launch. The course is an excellent starting point to rejuvenate the values and ethics of individuals. We believe that this constructive partnership between FICAC, Integrity Fiji and the Fiji National University is very beneficial in spreading positive and strong deterrent messages of anti-corruption advocacy to the Fijian public.”

FNU’s marketing student, Tehillati Shalom, said the event has inspired young people to fight against corruption and unethical practices.

“The event inspired us to work in solidarity to fight against corruption and to create a culture of integrity and anti-corruption.

“Corruption is present in everyone, but it is hidden. However, we can create awareness and educate as many people as we can on the consequences of corruption on our economy, environment, and how it hinders the development of our country.”

More than 60 guests attended the event which was held at the FNU Sports and Wellness Centre at Nasinu Campus.