BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Dec 9, CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Monday reaffirmed its “zero-tolerance stance against corruption” while calling for r collective action to ensure a future where integrity prevails.
“Together, with every mind engaged and every hand on the wheel, we can counter corruption and build a sustainable, equitable future for generations to come,” the region’s premier financial institution said in a statement marking International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 (IACD) under the theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
The CDB said that corruption is a pervasive challenge that transcends borders, institutions, and generations, adding that it undermines the economic, social, and environmental goals that the bank is committed to achieving in its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).
“As a development partner, we recognise that combatting corruption is not an option, it is a necessity. Corruption undermines the integrity of the financial ecosystem, inhibits sustainable development, and disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable among us.
“At CDB, our mandate to reduce poverty and deliver inclusive, sustainable growth depends on our ability to confront corruption head-on and help to ensure that we unite with other partners to combat it.
“By eroding trust, stifling economic growth, and perpetuating inequality, corruption acts as a barrier to the financing and governance solutions we work tirelessly to promote. For the Caribbean, with its unique economic, social, and reputational vulnerabilities, the stakes are particularly high.”
The CDB said that as part of its commitment, it provides training and capacity-building opportunities to strengthen good governance, compliance, and anti-corruption frameworks in our BMCs.
It said these initiatives are designed to empower public sector professionals, legal practitioners, law enforcers, private sector stakeholders, and our youth, adding that this year, its efforts culminated in hosting a forum on “Caribbean Youth Combatting Corruption in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” last month and a free virtual “Expert Forum on Anti-Corruption in the Age of AI” today.
The CDB said that the theme for IACD 2024 highlights the critical role of youth in shaping the future of integrity.
“As the majority population in the Caribbean, young people must be empowered to combat corruption and leverage new technologies like AI as tools for good. In a world where technology touches every aspect of life youth bring the vision and energy needed to drive change.
“However, corruption poses significant threats to their opportunities and aspirations. By uniting with our youth, we can channel their creativity and determination to develop the innovative solutions essential for a corruption-free future,” the CDB added.
CMC//af/ir/2024