The Alliance of Integrity project of local self-government has been launched in Ukraine
29 October 2024 12:56
The Alliance of Integrity initiative currently covers 22 urban communities from 10 regions of Ukraine. This was announced during the presentation of the project by Oleksiy Kuleba, Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine – Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, Komersant ukrainskyi
reports.
The official called for the expansion of this initiative to regions with capable budgets.
“Today, the first communities selected by the project will become pilot communities in the launched Alliance of Integrity. This is an important initiative, and it should be scaled up. Especially in those communities where the reconstruction process will take place, as well as in those communities that have capable budgets,” said Oleksiy Kuleba.
He also expressed his belief that the most support should be provided to the frontline and frontline areas. Oleksiy Kuleba called on international partners to pay special attention to these regions.
During the presentation of the project, United States Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink expressed her belief that the program has the potential for transformation, in particular, it can be brought in line with European and international standards with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom. According to the diplomat, the implementation of standards will help local communities better manage taxpayer funds and, as a result, provide better services.
What will the Alliance of Integrity do?
The project will currently focus on five tracks. These include assessing corruption risks and developing integrity improvement plans, reviewing regulations to ensure transparent rules for businesses operating in the community. It also includes cooperation with communities in other countries and international financial institutions, capacity building for anti-corruption commissioners, and IT audits aimed at introducing new digital solutions or improving existing ones.
Project development prospects
The initiative aims to unite 80 communities over five years to increase integrity among local governments. This year’s pilots are urban communities from Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Poltava, and Cherkasy regions.
By the way, decentralization in Ukraine has become one of the most transformative reforms. It has led to the creation of more than 400 local communities. This reform empowers communities to set their own priorities. “The Alliance of Integrity should help to realize these priorities.
