Young people’s views and experiences with corruption, as well as the role of anti-corruption education in the Hungarian education system, were the main topics at the Transparency International third annual Anti- Corruption Festival in Budapest on December 9th.
– Giving the message of refusing to give or take a bribe will not erase corruption overnight, but it is important to raise awareness and change attitudes. This festival is a unique opportunity to advocate transparency and to encourage youth to resist corruption and bribery in the interest of themselves, the society and their future, said the Norwegian ambassador, Siri Ellen Sletner, in an opening speech on behalf of all the supporting countries of the Festival - Canada, the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden and Norway.
The joint support was an expression of the countries’ commitment to promote integrity and transparency in Hungary, and in an extended Q&A session the audience got an insight into the countries’ approach to corruption, as well as suggestions as to how Hungary can go further in the fight against corruption.
– Equip youngsters with information, skill and support
TI also presented initial findings from their “Youth Integrity Survey” were 1000 young people aged between 15 and 25 were asked what attitude and experience they have with corruption. According to the survey over 80 percent of the youngsters think corruption is ok, and by analyzing the roots of the findings, TI hopes to develop better tools to engage youth in anti-corruption efforts.
–Having a better understanding of young people’s views and experiences provides a basis for more effective anti-corruption efforts and allows us to equip them with the information, skills and support they need to face and resist the corruption they deal with on a daily basis, says TI.
During the conference, the audience could also experience youth integrity from a social sciences point-of-view, as well as get an insight into best practices and next steps, both nationally and internationally. After the conference, an award giving ceremony of the video competition took place, before the festival closed with a concert with the Hungarian band, Korai Öröm.
Hungary down in corruption ranking
The Festival was arranged only a few days after Transparency International’s 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index ranking revealed that Hungary had slipped four spots to 54th place. Hungary’s score on the index - 0 to 10, with 10 being the least corrupt - was 4.6, down from 4.7 in 2010. Two-thirds of the 183 ranked countries scored under 5.
– Last year, independent institutions playing a key role in fighting corruption were jeopardized in Hungary which further deteriorated the country’s perception, said TI Hungary Ádám Földes.
Transparency International Hungary has been operating as an independent civil society organization since 2006 and calls legislators’ attention to corruption risks through research, development of proposals and issue of position papers.