During the meeting with the young experts, which was initiated by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, experienced lawyer noted that today there is no country in the world totally free of corruption. “It must be recognized that among us there are many people who are affected by the negative influence. Therefore, in the development of mechanisms of operation of local authorities, we must minimize opportunities for corruption. Openness of meetings, access to the information, transparency of government procurement – these are techniques that help reduce corruption,” stressed Chuck THOMPSON.
His colleague, Head of the International Committee of the Association (IMLA), Ben GRIFFITH added that the openness of meetings of local councils is “a key condition for the fight against corruption.” “You, as a member of the public, have the right to monitor meetings of local councils,” he stressed.
Chuck THOMPSON pointed to the role of journalism in the fight against corruption. He noted that journalists are the ones who make the law “On Access to Information” effective and make it work. “It is important for journalists to write articles or to do TV shows on violations of laws by local officials. This is valid ground for the prosecution investigation,” he stated.
Ben GRIFFITH also told the youth about the difference between lobbying and bribery. “The difference is your intention. If I come to a legislator and try to convince him why he should vote for or against, it’s lobbying. When I bring the money in an envelope, it’s a bribe and bribery.”
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Discussion Club Open the World is a new educational Project of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation for socially active youth. Its purpose – to foster a new generation of responsible leaders. Each month the Foundation arranges lectures with renowned experts, political and community leaders to discuss ways of effective solutions to social problems in Ukraine and worldwide.
