Dr. Huguette Labelle
Chair, Transparency International

Speaks to CCC-YES Convention
Dhaka, October 10, 2009

You know some people say that young people are our future. Of course young people are our future but they are also our present. And today young people from around the world start looking at major issues - whether it's climate change, whether it's social justice; and as you are doing, also they are trying to deal with the fight against corruption. And your gathering here in Bangladesh is a good demonstration of that, since you know as well as I do, the devastating impact of corruption. And you also know that corruption does not have to be a way of life.

This annual convention will undertake a review of what you have accomplished in the past, but also look at your work agenda for this next period of time. And the innovation of this forum is exceptional, it's unique in our movement. And I want to congratulate TI Bangladesh for having started this movement. It demonstrates that TI Bangladesh is a movement of the people, by the people, with the people and of the people.

Transparency International has been advocating a three pronged approach to fighting corruption, prevention, education and enforcement; and I know that these are the sorts of things that you are going to be looking at, as you undertake your deliberations at this very important meeting.

I believe very strongly that a new generation of integrity is vital to our future. I also believe that corruption is transmitted through generations and that's why we need to stop that cycle with our young people of today. And learning integrity is possible, its essential and I know that you are working on that are on your agenda.

I also believe that every individual has the power to make their own decision that they have the power to make the right decisions, if given an opportunity. And like you I believe that we need to establish strong incentive structures in our communities, in our government programmes whether it be in health, in education or in the infrastructure that is badly required in all parts in our developing world.

By working with YES, thousands of young people in Bangladesh are already making a difference in this regard. TI Bangladesh is one of our most active chapters, it's our largest chapter. A lot of the work that TI Bangladesh is done has served to inspire other chapters as well as the International Secretariat in Berlin. So I would like also to pay tribute to TI Bangladesh, and say how pleased I am that the Executive Director, Iftekhar, is a member of our International Board.

So to all of you, congratulations and have a great convention.