Professor Lady Ngozi Franca Okoye was featured in Pioneer Progressive Herald as a Pioneer Trailblazing Woman.
Reflections from the OECD Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum
I am currently attending the OECD Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum as a delegate of the Institute of Public Diplomacy London, and the experience has been both energising and deeply reflective.
The President of Dominican Republic and the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand gave the opening speeches after the welcome remark by the Secretary General of the OECD. Several other world leaders made speeches.
One of the most striking aspects of the Forum is the shared recognition that corruption is not just a governance issue—it is a barrier to sustainable development, climate action, and public trust. Across discussions, a consistent theme has emerged: integrity is not an abstract principle, but a practical foundation for effective policy.
As someone working at the intersection of public diplomacy and climate education, I have been particularly interested in how anti-corruption frameworks relate to climate governance. Climate initiatives—whether financing, adaptation, or mitigation—depend heavily on transparency, accountability, and institutional trust. Without these, even the most ambitious climate strategies risk falling short.
This perspective has directly informed my recent work in developing a climate change course for the Institute, aimed at equipping individuals with both the knowledge and the ethical awareness needed to engage with global challenges responsibly.
What stands out most at the Forum is the importance of collaboration—between governments, academia, and civil society. Tackling corruption and strengthening integrity systems requires not only technical solutions, but also a cultural commitment to accountability.
As the Forum continues, I look forward to engaging further with these discussions and exploring how public diplomacy can help b