11/08/2022
The Fiji National University (FNU), in partnership with Integrity Fiji, celebrated International Youth Day to recognise and empower the youth to make the right decisions and lead the fight against corruption in Fiji aligned to this year's theme Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a Culture of Integrity and Anti-Corruption.
As outlined in FNUās Strategic Plan 2021-2026, the university is committed to producing work-ready graduates at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with the skills, knowledge, competencies, aptitudes and behaviours necessary to succeed in a competitive jobs market, including by establishing new businesses.
Speaking at the event, FNUās 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.
āOur 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,ā 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 Programme 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 Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption Manager Prevention Kolora Naliva 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 dimensionsāeconomic, social, and environmental.
"Anti-corruption efforts across generations are key for sustainable development. We must all 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," Naliva said.
"I acknowledge the creative work done by Integrity Fijiās 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."
FNUās 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."
Raymond Koyaraibole, a Graphic Arts student, said he commended FNU for organising the event.
"It was a very fruitful event as we got to learn a lot of new things which we can implement in our lives and contribute towards nation building. I am grateful to FNU for organising the event where students can benefit and learn."
More than 60 guests attended the event which was held at the FNU Sports and Wellness Centre at Nasinu Campus.
