Fighting corruption starts with each individual choosing to do what is right and then coming together in a collaborative approach to tackle it.

That’s the message from the Leader of the Walk, the DICT Secretary Mr. Steven Matainaho, to all corporate bodies, schools, government agencies and individuals that took part in the 16th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption this morning in Port Moresby city.

Focusing his keynote address on the next generation of leaders- the students, Secretary Matainaho told the students from the schools that participated, that each of them now at their young age must practice the habit of fighting and resisting corruption by taking on integrity, honesty, and values that lead one to becoming an individual who says no to corruption.

“It starts with you as a student. It starts with you doing the right things. No cheating in your assignments, be transparent, report when something bad happens. Integrity starts with those small things,” said the Secretary.

He said gaining and developing these traits at a young age would prove useful when entering the workforce later on in life, when it comes to fighting corruption.

“So, you see, integrity starts with everyone. The change starts by each one making a change and it’s a collective effort.”

“Integrity must be instilled in each individual, in each village, in each community, in each agency, and in each company. That’s where you will see integrity across the whole country. And then everyone starts to make a change with that integrity instilled in them,” he said.

The annual Walk Against Corruption is a major fundraiser for Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG). This year’s event saw 190 teams in total, comprising of schools, corporate organisations, government departments and individual families who joined in with the rest.

Themed “Integrity & Action Now”, the Walk Against Corruption attracted over 2, 500 participants.