Tokyo, 19 November  2024 – In the wake of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the Anti-Corruption Task Force for Ukraine (ACT for Ukraine) Tokyo Conference, hosted on 6-7 November by the Ministry of Justice of Japan, brought together G7 and international partners to bolster anti-corruption initiatives in Ukraine.

Serving as a platform for exchanging information on G7 countries and international organizations' anti-corruption support projects in Ukraine, the Task Force also identifies key challenges and discusses effective countermeasures. Thе event underscored the critical role of anti-corruption measures in establishing a resilient and accountable foundation for Ukraine's long-term recovery. 

During the event, UNDP presented its recent report, "Mapping Support for Anti-Corruption Reforms in Ukraine with a Focus on the Justice Sector," which was funded by the Government of Japan. The report provides an in-depth analysis of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts – particularly within the justice sector. It provides recommendations for supporting transparency and accountability, and identifies areas where assistance is needed to strengthen Ukraine’s anti-corruption initiatives.

As a partner in the conference, UNDP, alongside the Ministry of Justice of Japan and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), co-organized a public side event titled “Unlocking the Potential of Doing Business in Ukraine for the Japanese Private Sector—Opportunities and Challenges.” The event aimed to strengthen Japanese-Ukraine business cooperation by addressing investment opportunities and challenges, with an emphasis on the importance of there being a transparent business climate.

During the side-event Christophoros Politis, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ukraine, highlighted the international community's role in supporting Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts. “Global partnerships are essential in helping Ukraine strengthen its institutions and combat corruption,” Politis said. “UNDP, with the support of partners like Japan, is committed to facilitating these efforts to ensure that Ukraine's recovery is built on a foundation of transparency and good governance.”

Olena Ursu, UNDP in Ukraine Democratic Governance Portfolio Team Leader, emphasized the direct impact of anti-corruption measures on economic recovery. “By fostering a transparent and accountable environment, we create the conditions necessary for raising investment, rebuilding infrastructure, and improving the lives of Ukrainian citizens”, said Ursu.

Ryo Koba, Senior Director for Global Strategy (Europe), Planning Department and Director for Ukraine Business Desk, Overseas Business Development Department stressed the importance of Japan's commitment to supporting Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts. “Today’s event demonstrates how Ukraine and Japan are dedicated to establishing a transparent and robust business environment together. By addressing the challenges of corruption and strengthening the rule of law, we’re fostering a foundation for long-term investment and cooperation between our countries,” Koba said. “This collaboration will open new opportunities for Japanese businesses to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and economic growth.”

Tetiana Korotka, Deputy Business Ombudsman in Ukraine, underscored the importance of supporting businesses in adapting to new challenges. "Many of our systemic recommendations were implemented in legislation, which allowed to remove many obstacles in international trade, currency regulations, permit procedures, work of law enforcement agencies,” she said. “Since then, the anti-corruption landscape in Ukraine has changed significantly, and this applies not only to the state institutions, but also to the business environment.”

“Along with the gradual movement to the international trade environment, Ukrainian businesses are increasingly paying attention to the issue of compliance and risk management. This especially applies to SMEs, because the big players in Ukraine have long term experience of cooperating with reputable business partners.” 

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine yuliia.samus@undp.org