Corruption is not an imaginary, subjectless phenomenon. It is a genuine problem whose destructive impact cannot be measured by the high-profile nature of a few corruption scandals.
In the face of a full-scale russian invasion, the stability of institutions and the unity of society are indispensable pillars of Ukrainian democracy. Corruption is what weakens them. Based on the principles of accountability and the importance of dialogue, the USPS clearly sees its duty here to provide a platform for meaningful discussion between those who drive anti-corruption reform from within the institutions and those who fight corruption from outside the system. This initial idea was the impetus for creating the Leaders of Integrity programme.
What is this programme about, and who does it target?
The Leaders of Integrity programme is about the opportunity to look at the phenomenon of corruption from different perspectives. It is an opportunity to deconstruct Ukraine’s anti-corruption architecture. Most importantly, it is about a chance to join a newly created community of like-minded people.
The worldview component is the core of the programme, as it is in line with the USPS mission, which is to connect people who, when united, become a voice for change.
This programme targets employees of anti-corruption agencies (NACP, NABU, SAPO, HACC, etc.), representatives of anti-corruption NGOs, anti-corruption activists, investigative journalists and civic activists.
The training will take 3 days with the venue in Kyiv. The training will be held in the form of lectures, seminars and discussion panels.
The programme will cover the following topics:
- effectiveness of key anti-corruption bodies;
- peculiarities of combating corruption in a full-scale war;
- context of anti-corruption initiatives amid European/Euro-Atlantic integration;
- important hard skills for fighting corruption.
Participants will participate in the state-civil society-media dialogue, acquire relevant knowledge and skills on anti-corruption and connect with actors with a similar value framework.
The application form is open until 5 December 2024, inclusive.
Why is it important to apply for the USPS programme?
- To turn the debate around the problem of corruption in Ukraine into a meaningful dialogue;
- To strengthen the capacity of anti-corruption participants (both governmental and non-governmental);
- To jointly support Ukraine’s institutional and societal resilience.
The effectiveness of the fight against corruption depends on the capacity and transparency of the state’s relevant institutions. Representatives of the public and media sectors are also engaged in the same fight. However, sometimes, they lack communication, not in terms of uncompromising coordination of actions but in terms of a common outlook. Therefore, the networking of anti-corruption activists at all levels for the benefit of Ukrainian democracy is a key task for the USPS.
We encourage applying for the programme if you meet the following criteria:
- you are a citizen of Ukraine;
- you are a representative of the anti-corruption system or Ukrainian civil society organisations and media whose activities are focused on combating corruption;
- you have professional achievements in the anti-corruption sector;
- you have an active civic position;
- having knowledge of foreign languages will be an advantage.
The training programme is implemented by the Ukrainian School of Political Studies with the support of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI), a leading anti-corruption programme in Ukraine funded by the EU and co-funded and implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. The opinions and views expressed by experts or organisations within this project do not necessarily reflect the position of EUACI, the European Union or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
Programme calendar
The programme is planned to be held offline in Kyiv. Training workshops will last 3 days.
Participation in the programme is free for selected participants. The Ukrainian School of Political Studies covers all expenses related to participation in the educational programme (except transfer).
We are committed to regional and gender balance. There should be an equal number of men and women in the group, and a significant share of participants will be from different regions of Ukraine. We especially encourage not only officers of anti-corruption agencies, but also active leaders of the public sector and the media to apply.
We have no age or other restrictions on participation in the programme.
Under the auspices of the USPS, programme participants will form an inclusive framework for interaction between state and civil society anti-corruption actors. Such a framework will lay the groundwork for forming a community of values, which is practically aimed at creating a well-established anti-corruption effort in Ukraine.
Yes, you can apply even if you have already completed the USPS programme or other School’s programmes, as this programme is about creating a new community and learning with a focus on anti-corruption.
