UNIC held the Annual General Meeting of the UNIC Members and reported on the results of its work for 2023

On 31 May, the Ukrainian Network of Integrity and Compliance (UNIC) held its Annual General Meeting of Members on the topic ‘Security of integrity business during the recovery as a priority of a sustainable European state’.

The event brought together about 100 representatives of business, government and international partners to discuss effective mechanisms that promote European integration and strengthen the security of Ukrainian business. The participants discussed issues and necessary changes in the legislative field that will stimulate the integrity of the private and public sectors, promote a culture of zero tolerance to corruption and increase the security of businesses interested in the recovery and reconstruction processes. In particular, the Business Ombudsman Council presented a joint Declaration of Sound and Fair Administration, which should become a guideline for transparent relations between the state and entrepreneurs. They also discussed Ukraine's accession to the OECD and the state's implementation of the relevant recommendations and commitments on this path.

During the meeting, Antonina Prudko, Head of the UNIC Secretariat, presented the UNIC Programme Report for 2023 and the work plan for 2024.

‘An open dialogue between business, government and international representatives is extremely important in the context of Ukraine's desire to move towards European standards. It is intended to lay the foundation for the implementation of legislative initiatives to develop a culture of integrity. Ensuring the protection and sustainability of Ukrainian businesses, which are currently operating in an extremely turbulent environment, is of utmost importance. After all, it is the virtuous private sector that is the basis for Ukraine's recovery, strengthens its international relations and drives development and reforms on the country's path to European values,’ said Antonina Prudko, Head of the UNIC Secretariat.

Christoforos Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, stressed the importance of transparent and honest business in the process of rebuilding Ukraine: ‘By adhering to ethical standards in business, Ukraine not only strengthens its economy and fights corruption, but also underlines its commitment to European values and principles. UNDP in Ukraine remains committed to its mission to support these efforts and provide a strong partnership to achieve Ukraine's sustainable development and European integration.’

Ukraine's accession to the OECD and joining the Working Group on International Bribery is an additional powerful driver of change in our country.

Antonio Gomez, Deputy Director of the OECD Directorate for Finance and Enterprise, told the participants of the event what joining the OECD Working Group on International Bribery would mean for Ukrainian business in practice: ‘Firstly, for responsible companies, it will strengthen their position, as their personal anti-corruption efforts will be protected from possible corruption risks and prosecution, while at the same time it will eliminate the prospects for non-transparent companies. Secondly, for companies that are hesitant about their integrity obligations, it will be a powerful incentive to act with integrity to protect their reputation and market position. Thirdly, for companies that are used to conducting their business using corrupt practices, the inevitability of punishment will create a real threat of losing any advantage.’

Compliance obligations and independent external compliance monitoring are another international standard that will help Ukraine make the culture of integrity the norm and build trust between the state, business, international investors and partners.

NACP Chairman Viktor Pavlushchyk spoke about the NACP's work to develop a compliance monitoring concept that can minimise negative consequences for business. ‘We believe that Ukraine can also be a good example. And we have to develop our concept in such a way that we do not copy from others, but create our own high-quality product for us and for other countries that want to use our best practices. The NACP will do its best on its own and will also ask the business to join the development of this concept.’

The UNIC Secretariat expresses its sincere gratitude to everyone who joined the event: speakers, guests, as well as all members of the Ukrainian Network of Integrity and Compliance, who are united by common values of responsible business conduct and work on transparent reconstruction of Ukraine.

Special thanks to our partners - the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine and the Government of Japan - for their financial support of this event and willingness to further cooperate in strengthening the integrity of Ukrainian business.