Transparency International Hungary together with the British and the Norwegian embassy organised an extraordinary water battle at the Sziget Festival. The aim of the event was to draw young people’s attention to the importance of the fight against corruption.

Transparency International Hungary participated in the Sziget Festival for the first time and raised awareness about how important a role the young generation plays in the prevention of corruption. Besides the exciting water battles, the volunteers of the organisation conducted short questionnaires about the corruption-related knowledge of youngsters.

The Norwegian ambassador, Siri Ellen Sletner and Theresa Bubbear, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the United Kingdom also participated at the press conference.  Both embassies that supported the event find it important to address the young generation in order to achieve effective changes.

“If young people know the harmful consequences of corruption and fight actively against it, tomorrow we will live in a better, more transparent society. We find it very important that Transparency International Hungary addresses the young generation with new and innovative methods. There is no better venue to achieve this goal than the rightly popular Sziget Festival.” – said Norwegian ambassador Siri Ellen Slatner at the press conference held in the BAZIS tent of Transparency International.

“We had so much fun at this event. It’s a very good idea of Transparency International Hungary to send out this important message with the help of such creative means. We are happy that the water battle with the Norwegians ended in a draw, since they are very good friends and colleagues of ours. “ – added Theresa Bubbear, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the United Kingdom.

With their cooperation, Transparency International Hungary and the Sziget Festival would like to encourage young people to dare to fight against corruption and to not to  be afraid of whistleblowing if they meet corruption cases in the future. Károly Gerendai, the founder of the Festival said in his speech that corruption is still a problem in Hungary and the solution is in the hands of the younger generation since they are going to be the leaders of the future.

“We have to teach young people to use their rights, to know what they can do when for example they are forced to pay a bribe. They should monitor the decision making processes, the spending of public money and as conscious citizens they should actively fight against corruption.” – said Noemi Alexa, managing director of Transparency International Hungary. After the press conference, the representatives of the British and the Norwegian embassies participated in a refreshing water battle.

 The photos of the event can be downloaded here.

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