A large-scale series of trainings aimed at strengthening anti-corruption practices at the regional level has concluded in Uzbekistan. Covering all 14 regions of the country, the initiative enhanced the practical capacities of territorial anti-corruption councils, developed region-specific recommendations, and laid the groundwork for subsequent action plans to reduce corruption risks, increase transparency, and strengthen public oversight at the local level. A total of 501 representatives involved in implementing anti-corruption policy at the regional level participated in the training, the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan reported.
The program focused on strengthening the role of territorial anti-corruption councils as key coordination platforms at the local level and was delivered in a practice-oriented format combining theoretical and practical sessions. Participants studied international and national approaches to corruption prevention, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption and ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, and examined practical issues related to internal control, handling citizens’ complaints, and cooperation with civil society and the media, taking regional specificities into account.
Among the key recommendations developed by participants were:
- fostering a culture of zero tolerance for corruption at the mahalla and household levels;
- developing comprehensive programmes aimed at building integrity and anti-corruption skills across all segments of the population;
- expanding citizens’ participation in identifying and reporting corruption cases by strengthening public oversight;
- restricting the appointment of individuals convicted of corruption-related crimes to managerial and leadership positions;
- ensuring the inevitability of stricter punishment for corruption-related crimes, emphasizing that such offences should not be limited solely to fines or compensation for damages;
- expanding the digitalisation of public services to reduce the human factor and eliminate excessive bureaucratic procedures;
- ensuring openness and transparency of public institutions in their engagement with citizens;
- improving legislation on the protection of individuals who report cases of corruption.
The trainings were conducted with the support of the National Anti-Corruption Council within the framework of the joint project of the Anti-Corruption Agency and the United Nations Development Programme, “Strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Ecosystem in Uzbekistan,” funded by the European Union.
