This year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” speaks to an essential truth: the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) will be defined not only by the systems we strengthen today, but by the values we pass on to the next generation. In every community across our Islands, young people are calling for the opportunity to participate in a society built on trust. Their voices remind us that integrity is a core virtue and a responsibility shared by all.

In a time when societies around the world are reflecting deeply on the quality of governance, the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to advance its own journey of transparency and reform. We are reminded that strong governance and ethical leadership are essential to safeguarding public resources and public trust. This moment calls on each of us, as leaders, institutions and citizens alike to champion clarity, openness and ethical conduct in all that we do, in every aspect of our daily, personal and professional lives. While frameworks evolve, our collective duty is to uphold high standards. We must all lead by example.

Our young people are uniquely positioned to help shape this future. With their creativity, technological fluency and unwavering belief in justice. They have the power to challenge outdated practices and inspire a culture of accountability. We must empower them to participate fully, guard against the influences of corruption and ensure they inherit a society where honesty is upheld and wrongdoing finds no refuge. On this International Anti-Corruption Day, let us commit, together, to building a Turks and Caicos Islands where transparency strengthens trust, integrity guides leadership and every young person can look to tomorrow with confidence and hope.