Highlighting the importance of anti-corruption education in fostering a culture of integrity

26 May 2023, Pristina, Kosovo[1]: UNODC and UNDP Kosovo brought together 30 officials from anti-corruption authorities and civil society from Kosovo and Albania for a roundtable aimed to discuss the role of anti-corruption education in preventing and countering corruption and to take stock of good practices in these two jurisdictions. On this occasion UNODC presented its global Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment (GRACE) initiative, which provided the opportunity to discuss potential cooperation under this initiative across the region.

The discussion featured presentations on national and local governmental and non-governmental anti-corruption programs, outlining how anti-corruption education is used to strengthen the rejection of corruption, as well as civil society initiatives that have had a positive impact in building conditions for effective, accountable and inclusive educational institutions. The discussion also revolved around the use of anti-corruption education as a successful preventive measure. The event stressed the role of education in preventing corruption and served as a platform to facilitate dialogue and strengthen cooperation between government and civil society, and exchange experiences across the region.

The event resulted in the design of several follow-up integrity initiatives led jointly by government, civil society and UNODC. A regional event is planned with the Western Balkan jurisdictions to prepare a compendium of good practice in the realization of SDG 16 building on the positive examples of anti-corruption education initiatives across the region.

This activity has been implemented with generous support from the Government of Germany.

[1] All references to Kosovo should be understood in the context of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999)