Corruption is not a recent problem. It began many years ago, but as time passes and generations pass, it has gotten worse in the majority of the world’s nations. There is no denying that Gen Z is crucial to this generation’s battle against corruption. This was the main point of the discussions held on October 28, 2025, where representatives from Nepal, Indonesia, and the Philippines gathered through an online forum to present their differing views on the question, “Can Generational Movements End Systemic Corruption?” There are 281 attendees composed of leaders, representatives from the different countries, peace advocates, students, and professors.

The forum started with heartfelt invocation led bu Mark Joshua Balao-as (Phlippines-indigenous chant), Dr. Yaya Aliyu (Nigeria-Muslim Prayer), and Michael Cameron (California- meditation). This was followed by a compelling Welcome Remarks by Dr. Genevieve Kupang, the Secretary of WUNI-L (World University Network of Innovation for Leaders) and a WURI Historian, who emphasized, “We are enraged by the scale of corruption. We are outraged by the betrayal of public trust.” Kupang quoting Randy David “Anger alone will not save us. But if it is turned into vigilance, solidarity, and the courage to imagine a different politics, then this moment of fury may yet become the beginning of something better.” It is, in fact, a call for a global movement to address the current issue of corruption, which is destroying our society, and which shouts for significant actions. Antonio Carvallo (UK) presented the Statement of Purpose, articulating the Forum’s objective to derive actionable insights for developing transparent, resilient societies and fostering ethical leadership. This forms part of the WHF series.

The first speaker, Mr. Raghu Ghimire, a Health and Social Researcher in Nepal, started his talk by presenting the current struggle of Nepal with corruption. It was highlighted that individuals, particularly young people, are feeling a range of emotions around this situation, including excitement, hope, awe, and dismay. As a result, there were several rallies, most of which were led by Gen Z, who he noted are the ones most impacted by these circumstances. Thousands of young Nepalese protested corruption, censorship, and poor governance by taking to the streets and cities. However, this also led to several deaths. As a result, there was a temporary success in this struggle when the Prime Minister resigned and the parliament was dissolved, but this triumph is still threatened because the state’s elite still exists.

Further, the speaker urges young people to get involved in politics. He underlined further that when institutions hollow out, the elites retreat behind privilege; no amount of rhetoric can disguise the eventual long-term results of peace and sustainability. Additionally, it is an appeal for engaged citizens, particularly young people, who have the power to demand visible changes that the state should support. Therefore, there is a strong demand for young people to get involved in politics to bring about long-lasting change.

The next Nepalese speaker, Ms. Tulsi Maya Sigdel, a Program Coordinator, intensified the talk. She concentrated on global transformation, which is the term used to describe significant, widespread changes or shifts that take place in the world. Technology, culture, politics, economics, and the environment can all influence this change. After which, she related this to the transformation of Nepal. She pointed out that hope, not simply rage, pushed Nepal’s youth. It is the conviction that if citizens demanded accountability, the nation could be honest, just, and democratic. As a result, Gen-Z began to question their parents, who they support and why, and how their crooked system relates to the political system.

Additionally, the young people are now educating people about the consequences of corruption through community initiatives and social media campaigns. Young people can put pressure on politicians to behave honestly by advocating for open governance and demanding accountability. This led the youth to launch demonstrations against their questionable social media band, corruption, and an unstable government. The speaker concluded by emphasizing her role to stand with Gen Z in their fight against corruption, stating that she is willing to stand on their side because she believes that this is part of the transformation of Nepal in becoming a better and safer place to live.

The forum was immediately followed by the speaker from Indonesia, Professor and Doctor Tasya Asparanti, the Head and Doctor in the Management Program. She started her sharing by presenting the recent public outrage that happened in Indonesia because of unjust compensations, unjust cause of deaths and arrests, weak accountability of the government, and structural corruption. She further explained that the roots of systemic corruption lie on the weak checks and balances and regulatory and institutional capture and the eradication of the Corruption Eradication Commission.

These reasons fueled the Gen-Z to emerge as an ethical force through their digital fluency, authenticity and global consciousness. Together, the Gen-Z can work together to eradicate corruption. The speaker also added the challenge that there must be the integration of anti-corruption education in the curriculum, and the youth inclusion in policy-making forums. This could further promote awareness of this serious issue, and a worthy contribution to making policies better for the people.

The next speaker from Indonesia, Professor Surya Desismansyah Eka Putra, Lecturer at the University of Malang, Indonesia, spoke about feudalism. The concept of feudalism started in medieval Europe, where the social, economic, and political organization was based on land ownership and reciprocal duties between the lords and slaves. This, undoubtedly, makes the power concentrated in the elite. She also presented the action called “Dark Indonesia” that happened in February 2025, which is a student-led protest against budget cuts. In this movement, fearing that President Prabowo Subianto’s policies and budget cuts would sacrifice their futures and social support networks, thousands of students initiated protests in towns all throughout the nation. The speaker concluded by restating that the young people’s brave action is a clear indication that Gen Z has embraced the idea of a new morality of awareness and care for the future.

The speaker from the Philippines, Honorable Benjamin B. Magalong, Baguio City Mayor, emphasized “Building a culture of good governance” to fight against corruption. He started his talk by saying that corruption continues to rob millions of people, robbing them of a fair chance of a better life. He mentioned the statement of Ayn Rand, “If corruption is rewarded and honesty is self-sacrifice, then you know society is doomed.”

He expressed “Corruption at this level is systematic. It is syndicate. It is a deeply engrained network, one that we have been fighting with for over 50 years that is protected by power.

It is remarkable how the public has responded. The movement against this systemic corruption has remained largely peaceful. There are no calls for violence, no riots in the streets, only persistent, organized pressure for accountability. This is not accidental. Church leaders, civil society groups, and community organizers have played a crucial role. They have provided moral guidance, reminding citizens that integrity is non-negotiable. They have organized communities, educated citizens on budgets and contracts, amplified the voices of whistleblowers, and ensured that protests remain disciplined and lawful. It is a model of how a society can resist corruption without descending into chaos.”

As he went on, he brought up the Philippines’ flood control project, which is the most controversial issue in the country today. Billions of pesos were allocated to these projects, but it is questionable when they failed, especially on days with a lot of rain. He also presented the figure of our debts through the years up to now, saying, “Who will be left to pay for it? Certainly, the next generation.”

Thus, the best solution to this systemic corruption is good governance. He said, “Good governance begins exactly when we stop asking what’s safe and start asking what is right.” He goes on to emphasize that the people have the power to select the best leaders. In order to elect leaders who can truly fight for what is right, we must break the cycle of popular but unaccountable and irresponsible candidates. As he concluded, he gave specific ways in which we can contribute: (a) use knowledge as our weapon, (b) seek the truth, (c) use creativity to stand, (d) vote wisely, ( e) demand accountability, and (f) lead by example.

The forum continues with the reaction video of Dr. Godfrey G. Mendoza, a CHED-CAR (Commission on Higher Education-Cordillera Administrative Region) representative. He emphasized the topic by emphasizing that corruption is not just a political issue; it is a generational burden. “Changes in consciousness are necessary for long-lasting transformations,” he said, and these changes should be internal and individual. One person can’t achieve it, but everyone should be eager to take part.

To end, Mr. Javier Tolcachier, a WHF and Pressenza Representative, gave implications of this forum. He saw the importance of the youth movements in global transformation. Indeed, the young people are the game changers of their own generation. These movements should bring about lasting and meaningful change. He is quoted saying “Therefore, we propose to place a thematic table of Generation Z within the World Humanist Forum. We invite those of you who are interested to the next Assembly of the Forum, where this thematic table could be started, alongside with all the other thematic tables that are already underway. The next Assembly of the World Humanist Forum will take place on the 6th and 7th December.”

The forum concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Robert Frederick Hayden, President of WUNI_L. Dr. Kupang then invited participants from various countries to share their takeaways from the discussions. Ms. Dorothy Adenga of Kenya offered thoughtful reflections and made a compelling request: that Kenya and other African nations be included as presenters in the next forum to share their own anti-corruption experiences and strategies. Her sentiment was echoed by other participants, who combined praise for the forum with genuine optimism that these generational movements represent a turning point in the fight against corruption.

All of the speakers stressed that young people are today’s change-makers as well as tomorrow’s leaders. Thus, this forum shall continue its aim until it finally attains its goal.

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