The Future of Corruption 2036: Integrity, Good Governance and Accountability
Open to: Students attending Bachelor's and Master's studies at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Goce Delcev University - Shtip, University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola, South East European University, and University American College Skopje. Employees, consultants, or interns of the OSCE and their immediate family members, are not eligible to participate.
Submission deadline: 25 November 2026
Awards: The authors of the three best essays will each receive a prize (IT equipment).
Background and purpose
The OSCE Mission to Skopje aims to advance the rule of law and human rights by implementing applicable international standards and OSCE commitments in the areas of the judiciary and fundamental rights, in line with North Macedonia's strategic priorities. The Mission addresses challenges related to judicial independence and impartiality, criminal justice, anti-corruption, anti-discrimination, gender equality and fundamental rights, as identified in governmental policy documents and international expert assessments.
In parallel with the anti-corruption masterclass series, organized in co-operation with five national universities (University American College Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Goce Delcev University - Shtip, University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola, and South East European University), the OSCE Mission to Skopje has welcomed the strong interest and engagement shown by students.
Building on this enthusiasm, the Mission is pleased to announce an essay writing competition that invites students to explore the future of corruption, integrity, good governance and accountability. The competition aims to encourage young people to look beyond current challenges and critically examine how corruption risks, transparency, public trust and governance may evolve over the next decade, under the influence of technological, political, economic and social changes.
By introducing a future-oriented perspective, the competition will encourage participants to consider not only how corruption may change by 2036, but also what governments, institutions and citizens can do today to strengthen integrity, accountability and democratic resilience. It will also promote civic awareness, ethical reflection and the active participation of young people in building a more transparent and accountable society.
Essay requirements and suggested approach
Essays should demonstrate a well-informed understanding of corruption and integrity challenges, combining critical analysis of current developments with a forward-looking perspective. Authors are encouraged to explore plausible future developments, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and propose realistic and evidence-based measures to prevent and address corruption.
The central question guiding the competition is:
"How might corruption evolve in the future and what can societies do today to build a stronger culture of integrity and accountability?"
Participants are encouraged to develop their own arguments and perspectives, supported by credible academic, legal or policy sources. Essays should demonstrate independent thinking, originality and an ability to connect present-day challenges with possible future developments. Authors should ensure that their arguments are convincing, their recommendations are practical, and their essays are written in a clear and well-structured manner.
To encourage creativity and innovation, participants may approach the topic through different formats and perspectives, including:
- Future scenarios: Exploring plausible scenarios for corruption, integrity and accountability in 2036.
- Narrative essays set in 2036: Imagining how corruption risks and anti-corruption efforts might affect institutions and society in the future.
- A letter from the future: Writing a letter from 2036 reflecting on the choices made today and their consequences for integrity and accountability.
- Policy recommendations from a future perspective: Proposing measures that governments, institutions and citizens should adopt today to prevent future corruption.
- Fictitious newspaper articles or diary entries from the future: Using creative storytelling to examine future governance challenges and possible responses.
These formats are suggestions intended to encourage diverse approaches. Regardless of the chosen format, submissions should demonstrate critical thinking, a sound understanding of corruption and integrity issues, and a credible connection between present-day developments and possible futures.
Evaluation criteria
An evaluation committee consisting of four professors will assess the anonymously submitted essays according to the following criteria:
- Originality and creativity (maximum 25 points)
- Understanding of corruption and integrity issues (maximum 25 points)
- Critical and future-oriented thinking, including the credibility of scenarios and arguments (maximum 25 points)
- Quality of recommendations and reflections (maximum 25 points)
Format and length
Essays shall be written in English, using Times New Roman font, size 12, with 1.15 line spacing. The total length should be between 1,400 and 1,600 words (approximately three pages). Essays that exceed this word count will not be considered.
Originality and use of AI tools
All essays must be the original work of the authors and reflect their own ideas, critical thinking and analysis. Participants may use AI tools to support research, brainstorming, proofreading or language editing, provided that such use does not replace their own intellectual contribution or the independent development of their arguments, scenarios and recommendations.
The use of AI tools to generate substantial parts of an essay, or to produce the analysis, arguments or recommendations presented as the author's own work, is not permitted. Participants must ensure that all factual claims and references are accurate and verifiable, and that all sources are properly acknowledged.
Participants must disclose any use of AI tools in a brief statement at the end of their submission, specifying the tools used and the purpose for which they were used. Failure to comply with these requirements, as well as plagiarism or misrepresentation of authorship, may result in disqualification from the competition.
Info session
Application process
Instructions for the essay writing competition will also be available in Macedonian and Albanian.
Nothing in or related to this contest shall be construed as a waiver, express or implied, of any of the privileges and immunities of the OSCE.
