Kyiv, 10 June 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine with funding from the government of Japan has supported the holding of the Annual General Meeting of the Ukrainian Network of Integrity and Compliance (UNIC), a platform for promoting transparent business practices. 

The title of the meeting was "Ethical Business Security during Recovery as a Priority for a Sustainable European State." 

At the event, representatives from businesses, government, and international partners discussed effective mechanisms that promote European integration and enhance the security of Ukrainian business. The participants also examined upcoming legislative changes fostering integrity in the private and public sectors, promoting a culture of zero tolerance for corruption, and improving the security of businesses involved in recovery and reconstruction processes.  

Participants also discussed a joint Declaration of Prudent and Fair Governance, which is intended to serve as a guide for transparent relations between the state and entrepreneurs. Special attention was given to the issue of Ukraine's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the state's fulfilment of the related obligations.  

In addition, the implementation of international standards in the operations of government bodies and the business community was reviewed. 

Head of the UNIC Secretariat Antonina Prudko underlined the importance at the meeting of the trilateral dialog between business, government and international representatives in the context of Ukraine's desire to move towards European standards.  

“This meeting is intended to lay the foundation for the implementation of legislative initiatives and the creation of new mechanisms for business protection and resilience, given that business is currently operating in extremely turbulent conditions,” Prudko said.  

“(At the meeting), particular emphasis was placed on developing a culture of good business, which is the cornerstone for ensuring transparent and fair relations between the state and business.”  

Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP in Ukraine Christophoros Politis emphasized the importance of transparent and ethical business practices in the reconstruction of Ukraine: "By adhering to ethical standards in business, Ukraine will not only strengthen its economy and counter corruption, but also underscore its commitment to rights and transparency principles, which in turn strengthen competitiveness and attract capital to the country,” Politis said. “The UNDP in Ukraine remains dedicated to supporting these efforts and ensuring reliable partnerships to achieve sustainable development of the private sector, which is one of the foundations of European integration for Ukraine." 

Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) Viktor Pavlushchyk spoke about the work NACP is doing to  develop a compliance monitoring concept designed to minimize negative consequences for businesses.  

"Ukraine could also be a good example,” Pavlushchyk said. “We all need to develop our concept in such a way as not to copy from others, but to create our own high-quality product – both for ourselves and for other countries that can use our best practices. The NACP will do everything possible on its part, and will also ask businesses to help in developing this concept." 

Background information 

This is the second time the UNDP in Ukraine has supported the Annual General Meeting of the Ukrainian Network of Integrity and Compliance (UNIC). In 2023, the title of the meeting was "Reconstruction Based on Integrity: The Road to a New Ukraine." 

In autumn 2023, UNDP in Ukraine supported a series of regional events for businesses on the topic "Transparent business and the reconstruction of Ukraine: Are there chances for scaling during the war?" The events were held in Lviv, Lutsk, and Ivano-Frankivsk, and were attended by around 100 owners of small and medium-sized Ukrainian businesses. 

In March 2024, UNDP supported a new educational course titled "Enhancing Integrity: Minimizing Risks and Building Business Compliance during Recovery," which was developed by UNIC in cooperation with the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office and the Diia.Business national project, with funding from the governments of Japan and Germany. This course helps entrepreneurs gain basic knowledge and develop practical skills in integrity and compliance to strengthen their business reputation. The course is now accessible on Dia.Business. 

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org