Leaders of Integrity

‘Leaders of Integrity’ is a comprehensive training programme designed to develop an overarching perspective on the issue of corruption in Ukraine.

At least two factors shaped the Ukrainian School of Political Studies’ decision to launch the first cycle of the ‘Leaders of Integrity’ program. Above all, it is evident that, in the face of a full-scale russian invasion, strong institutions and a united society are fundamental to Ukrainian democracy. Corruption undermines these fundamentals. Guided by the principles of responsibility and the value of dialogue, the USPS sees it as its duty to furnish a platform for constructive discussion between individuals spearheading anti-corruption reform within institutions and those opposing corruption from the outside. Ultimately, this idea drove the creation of the programme.

The following data further highlights the relevance of addressing the issue of corruption:

The programme comprised three days of immersive training in Kyiv, including lectures, seminars and discussion panels.

In the first cycle of the programme, participants and guest speakers explored the following:

• the principles and virtues on which institutions are constituted;
• the agency and self-perception of the Ukrainian judiciary;
• trust as the foundation of institutional performance;
• alternative anti-corruption tools;
• media investigations into corruption and their role in fostering a culture of integrity;
• perception and sensitivity to corruption amid war.

A distinctive hallmark of studying at the Ukrainian School of Political Studies is that knowledge acquisition goes hand in hand with the establishment of a community of leaders. This inspiring and encouraging environment fosters joint initiatives.

Equally, the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts hinges on the capacity and transparency of the relevant state institutions. Representatives of the public sector and the media likewise contribute to this counteraction. But sometimes these parties lack communication. It is not uncompromising coordination of efforts that is required, but rather a shared worldview.

For this reason, the worldview component became the essence of the first cycle of the ‘Leaders of Integrity’ programme, as it aligns with the mission of the Ukrainian School of Political Studies — to connect individuals who, by joining forces, champion change.

The Leaders of Integrity programme is implemented with the support of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative, a leading anti-corruption programme in Ukraine funded by the EU, co-funded and implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.