International Anti-Corruption Assembly: Working Visit to the West of Ukraine
This week representatives of the Central Committee of the International Anti-Corruption Assembly (hereinafter – the Assembly) made a working visit to the western coordination centers of the organization in Ukraine. The purpose of the visit was to discuss current activities, strengthening of regional structures, determination of further steps in the fight against corruption in the context of modern challenges, as well as consideration of topical issues, including in the humanitarian sphere, which is currently of great importance for our people.
Transcarpathian Region: Dialogue on Development and Problems of Green Tourism
The working visit started in the Transcarpathian region, where a productive meeting was held with the Head, Deputy Head and members of the Assembly Coordination Center in the region.
Special attention was paid to the situation in Vyshkivka settlement community of Khust district of Transcarpathian region. This area, including Vyshkovo village and the villages of Modyorosh, Rakosh, Shayan, Yablonivka and Veliatino, is an attractive destination for rural green tourism.
As you know, rural or green tourism is a unique form of recreation in the countryside, involving accommodation in private households of local residents. This direction is gaining popularity in Ukraine, contributing not only to rest and relaxation, but also to the active development of local communities. Moreover, the development of green tourism plays an important role in preserving rural residents as bearers of Ukrainian identity, culture and spirituality, which is a significant contribution to the popularization of Ukrainian culture outside the country.
During the meeting, an informal conversation was organized in Shayan village with representatives of the settlement community, who shared the pressing problems they face in conducting their activities. Some residents of the Vyshkivka settlement community expressed concern about what they consider to be «illegal» actions of Private joint-stock company «Transcarpathiaoblenergo», in particular, disconnections from power supply lines. As a result of the meeting, it was decided to conduct a more detailed analysis of the current situation. They also proposed options to assist in the adoption of the Draft Law of Ukraine “On Rural and Rural Green Tourism” by the Supreme Council of Ukraine.
It should be noted that in September 2024 the Draft Law of Ukraine “On Rural and Rural Green Tourism” was again submitted to the Supreme Council of Ukraine. This draft law has been repeatedly submitted to the SC for consideration over the past 30 years, but has not yet been approved. The Assembly expresses its hope that this time the legislative process will be more successful and this bill will be adopted, which will be a significant step in supporting and developing one of the promising areas of Ukrainian tourism.
Ivano-Frankivsk Region: Strategic Activity Planning
The working visit continued in Ivano-Frankivsk Region, where a meeting with the Head of the Assembly’s Coordination Center in the region took place. During the constructive dialogue further steps and strategic directions of the organization’s activities were discussed in accordance with the statutory goals and objectives of the International Anti-Corruption Assembly. Special attention was paid to the strengthening of regional structures, expansion of the partner network and implementation of anti-corruption initiatives on the ground. Opportunities for cooperation with local authorities and public organizations were also discussed in order to improve the efficiency of the Assembly’s work in Ivano-Frankivsk region and adapt strategies to the current socio-political situation in the country.
Ternopil Region: Wrapping Up and Looking to the Future
The final point of the working visit was the city of Ternopil. Known for its picturesque city pond and active cultural life, Ternopil hosted the last working meeting of the Assembly representatives before their return to the central office of the organization. The meeting in Ternopil allowed to summarize the results of the visit, exchange experience and outline concrete steps to develop anti-corruption initiatives in the western region of Ukraine.
Business Trip Results: Continuity of Activity and the Necessity of Struggle
«In the face of external aggression, corruption becomes not only a brake on development, but also a factor weakening national security and unity. At such times, when a country faces external threats, internal stability and honesty become even more valuable. Corruption, as an internal parasite, weakens the state and undermines its ability to resist external pressures. Therefore, fighting it is not only a matter of improving the quality of life, but also a matter of national security and sovereignty.»
The results of the working trip confirm the steady work of the International Anti-Corruption Assembly. Despite the complexity and multifaceted nature of the problem of corruption, the organization remains committed to its mission. Specific steps were outlined for the development of the statutory activities of the organization, as well as considered topical issues related to the support and development of rural green tourism, which is an important factor in the socio-economic development of regions and preservation of national identity. The Assembly reaffirmed its readiness to provide full support to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens and the development of Ukraine.
The Assembly continues its work, mobilizing resources and efforts to build a fairer and more transparent society, where every citizen can count on honest and effective governance.
Fighting corruption is not an abstract idea, but a concrete step towards building a fairer and more prosperous society.