The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) conducted a practical training workshop in Lviv for media representatives on utilising anti-corruption tools and open data in journalistic activities. The training aims to increase the effectiveness of journalists' efforts in exposing and countering corruption at the local level and to improve cooperation with anti-corruption authorities, primarily the NACP. The training was organised jointly with UNDP in Ukraine and with financial support from the Government of Japan.
“Professional and independent media are allies of anti-corruption bodies; through them, corrupt practices are exposed, widely publicised, and often provide the impetus for official anti-corruption and prevention measures. The more effectively journalists use available anti-corruption tools, including open data and corruption reporting, the higher the chances of successful cases. It is also important for the media to shape a high-quality information discourse in society based on facts and expertise, as the ability of citizens to put their negative attitude toward corruption into practice depends on the quality of the disseminated content about corruption and anti-corruption efforts,” said Pavlo Buldovych, Head of the NACP Department for Coordination of State Information Policy on Corruption Prevention.
During the training, media representatives learned more about corruption reporting methods and channels, the jurisdiction of anti-corruption bodies, and the functions and powers of the NACP. Special attention was paid to the tools of financial control over officials: full audits of declarations and lifestyle monitoring. Together with NACP experts working in these respective fields, journalists analysed specific cases during practical assignments.
The training participants were also introduced to NACP's open data resources, which can be useful for media and civil society organisations. Together with an invited expert, an analyst from the Center for Strategic Communications, they examined the impact of disinformation and ways to counter it, including attacks against investigative journalists and tactics to discredit anti-corruption activities.
“For UNDP, it is important to support not only the development of anti-corruption policies but also to strengthen the capacity of those who work with information and directly shape public opinion. That is why we view this series of trainings as a strategic investment in the quality of public discourse, transparency, and accountability at the local level. We are convinced that close cooperation between state institutions, the media, and civil society is critical for building a culture of integrity and zero tolerance for corruption, which is a fundamental prerequisite for the successful recovery of Ukraine,” said Anastasiia Korobai, UNDP Project Manager in Ukraine.
Previously, a similar training was held for journalists, civil society activists, and journalism students in Ivano-Frankivsk. The NACP plans to continue this series of practical workshops in other regions of Ukraine to strengthen the capacity of regional media and civil society to effectively counter corruption.
Photo credit - Vitaliy Izhak.
