United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

        YouthLED Integrity Advisory Committee Anti Corruption Workshop, April 2025

        Education and career opportunities are indispensable cornerstones for the future. But what if these were destroyed by corruption from the beginning? Corruption restricts global access to basic services. For the global community1.9 billion to 24 billionFor young people aged, these losses affect both the present and the future.

        Corruption may stifle initiative, stifle hope, and exacerbate distrust in a system that appears to be based on relationships and economic capabilities rather than ability rewards.

        A new report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)《Stolen Future: How Corruption Hurts Young People》It reveals how our younger generation views and experiences corruption in their daily lives. This report provides information based onyoung peopleAdvanced data from surveys and focus groups conducted for young people. The report covers over 1000 young respondents from 92 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Europe.

What do young people lose from corruption

        Everyone's experience of corruption is different. This is a complex problem that is difficult to define and measure. Its performance varies depending on the context.

        However, for young people around the world, the problem seems to emerge in a clear form: the loss of opportunities, especially in terms of access to education and the job market.

        Corruption leaves uncertainty. From applying to schools to voting, no matter how much effort and action you put in, it will make you feel like you cannot fully control the outcome, "explained a regional consulting participant.

        From bribery in the enrollment process to unfair scholarship distribution and exam score manipulation, obstacles start from a young age and often extend beyond education. During the transition to the job market, nepotism and favoritism still limit fair and ability based opportunities.

Dangerous Drifting

        When 'achievements are meaningless', frustration and disillusionment replace the motivation and hope of youth.

        Many young people report that obtaining employment and career development often rely on personal relationships or informal payments rather than qualifications.

        A participant from Asia said, "Corruption ensures that vulnerable groups are always in a disadvantaged position

        With conflicts of interest and bribery hindering social mobility, people's trust in the education system and labor market is gradually diminishing. Over time, this may translate into broader dissatisfaction with the system - a worrying trend for society as a whole.

        This cycle illustrates that corruption is not only a consequence of weak governance, but also reinforces transparency and accountability mechanisms when they are fragile or even non-existent.

Stolen dreams, silent voices

        Although young people account for nearly a quarter of the global population, they are still severely lacking in the decision-making process. According to a report by the United Nations Development Programme, the median position of national leadersageAt the age of 62, only 2.8% of global policy makers are aged 30 and below.

        In addition to being active participants in strengthening anti-corruption policies, young people also face obstacles when reporting corruption.

        During the consultation, it was pointed out that fear of retaliation and lack of protection mechanisms are the most common obstacles in all regions.

        If I fall, I will break my neck. I won't fall on something soft. That way, I won't be able to report corruption, "said a interviewee from the Americas.

        Regardless of geographical location, social, political, or legislative background, young people report feeling insecure and distrustful of formal institutions when speaking out.

The era of a generation preparing for action

        The report depicts a dark picture of corruption as a systemic challenge faced by young people, while highlighting a generation of young people who are increasingly awakened and willing to take concrete action.

        Young respondents pointed out that addressing corruption, including in the education sector, can be achieved through youth led initiatives, strengthened whistleblower protection, and support for youth citizen supervision.

        Initiatives such as the Youth LED Committee of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have received supportSupported by Global Anti Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment Resources (GRACE),Intended to empower young people and provide them with tools and space to achieve integrity as a driving force.

        The report 'Stolen Future' will soon be released in other language versions.