Cooperation with the OECD and New Horizons for Ukraine’s Anticorruption Agenda: a Political Discussion with the Participation of Ukrainian and European Officials

A political discussion on Cooperation with the OECD and New Horizons for Ukraine’s Anticorruption Agenda with the participation of European and Ukrainian officials took place in Kyiv on August 30. The event aimed to raise awareness about the cooperation between Ukraine and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, strengthen links with the Organisation, and conceptualize ways to prevent corruption during Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.

Speakers at the event included, for instance, Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine; Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine; Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD; representatives of Ukrainian anti-corruption organizations, and high officials from Poland, Canada, the UK, Lithuania, and the USA.

Media Center Ukraine is the information partner of the event.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal outlined priorities in the development of cooperation between Ukraine and the OECD in his opening address:

“Strengthening the relationship with the OECD has always been a key priority for Ukraine. Today, we are talking about the new horizons of cooperation. It is our goal to become a full-fledged member of the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. We consider these two processes complementary because we are aware of the importance of the OECD’s role as an analytical center that develops the best public policy solutions for the EU. The OECD has been supporting us along the path toward economic transformations and modernization of our public institutions and governance for many years. Together, we have attained extraordinary results in various sectors.”

Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, talked about the OECD’s support for Ukraine and the importance of preventing corruption in the process of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction:

“The OECD stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the people and the democratically elected government of Ukraine. We are resolute in supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction in coordination with other international partners in line with priorities set out by the Ukrainian government. The risk of corruption will be an important issue to deal with. Corruption can slow down reconstruction, take away precious funds, undermine public trust, causing damage. Accordingly, it is important to deal with this issue to support economic growth.

Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, assured the participants that Ukraine was working on developing a comfortable environment for foreign investors and doing a lot to strengthen international trust.

“Transparency is the basis for trust. We are doing everything to keep the trust in Ukraine growing. Every Ukrainian is fighting at their front: Ukraine’s Armed Forces, volunteers, medics, rescue personnel, public officials, and the entire Ukrainian nation. However, trust is something to be cultivated. We are working on this. Post-war Ukraine must become attractive to investors. The investment matters to us, and it matters to an investor that their lawful rights and interests are protected. Our government institutions must evoke trust among investors. It is important not just to rebuild Ukraine. It is our goal to build a successful and comfortable country with a dynamic and widespread economy, the best international standards, and improved legislation.”

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