Introducing TRINTEGRITY: A Fresh Perspective on Integrity and Clean Governance

●What is "Trintegrity"?

The concept of "Trintegrity" is in line with the spirit of the current United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It encompasses not only the values of "honesty and anti-corruption" and "frugality and anti-waste", but also includes the broader concept of "shared benefits and non-monopoly" in promoting clean governance.

●The character "廉" is well-known, but what is its original and positive meaning?

The original meaning of "Lian" is "to refrain from seeking excessive and unreasonable benefits," with a core concern for "fair distribution of benefits so that each person receives their due share." The goal of clean governance is not merely to passively pursue a "clean government," but also to actively implement policies that promote distributive justice and enhance social and economic fairness. The true purpose is to achieve a "clean society" and increase public trust in the government.

●Why introduce "distributive justice" into the thinking of clean governance?

In today's world, various issues including politics, economics, and society are eroding people's trust in governments around the world. Renowned scholar Professor Francis Y. Fukuyama has stated that the economy and distribution lie at the core of the problem. New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-Ih has also emphasized the importance of promoting social justice and equity in development during his participation in an Integrity Award review meeting organized by the Agency Against Corruption, Ministry of Justice, on Aug. 23, 2021. In the same year, the New Taipei City Government approved the proposal of "3D Integrity" during its 9th Integrity Report Meeting, becoming the first government agency to formally integrate "distributive justice" into the concept of clean governance.

●Where did "Trintegrity" come from?

This concept of "Trintegrity", which includes "decency, development, and distributive justice", is inspired by the traditional idea of clean governance in the "Shangshu（尚書）", an ancient Chinese classic of History. The "Shangshu" states that "Righteousness（正德）, Utilization（利用）, and Prosperity（厚生）" are necessary for a peaceful and harmonious society. "Righteousness" refers to decency and anti-corruption measures, "Utilization" refers to development and anti-waste practices, and "Prosperity" refers to distributive justice and anti-monopoly measures. Pursuing the goal of leaving no one behind, these three principles are the fundamental tenets of "integrity", hence the name "Trintegrity".

●Why is there a significant relationship between "health" and "clean governance"?

Health outcomes are determined by various factors including social determinants, which are shaped by politics, economics, and society. Health inequalities arise due to disparities in class and resources, such as income, education, and access to healthcare. The relationship between clean governance and health is like that of an apple tree. Clean and just governance that prioritizes decency, development, and distributive justice are the roots that grow beneath the soil, forming strong social determinants. Health, or health equality, is the sweet fruit that grows on the tree. Prioritizing health means prioritizing governance that prioritizes clean and just policies.