Code of Conduct for Organizations Operating in Ukraine:
A Joint Initiative for Transparency
and Anti-Corruption Efforts
As large sums of funds are flowing into Ukraine to cover its humanitarian needs and assist with future reconstruction, it is essential that all involved parties ensure transparency and help eliminate undesirable phenomena such as corruption and bribery. To this end, the World for Ukraine Foundation, the American humanitarian organization Ukraine Focus, and the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) jointly present the “Code of Conduct for Organizations Operating in Ukraine”. The code regulates humanitarian actions in Ukraine in an effort to ensure the efficiency of relief efforts while increasing transparency and accountability and eliminating corrupt practices.
Among the principles outlined in the code are full transparency regarding the board members of the respective organization and all individuals involved, including the prevention of any signs of corrupt activities. Signatories of the code also commit to conducting regular consultations to determine the most effective forms of assistance and to monitor its impact. An important premise in this context is the long-term impact of activities in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, and economic development.
The code of conduct will be open to signatures at the World for Ukraine Summit 2023, which will take place on September 28-29, 2023, at the G2A Arena in Rzeszów/Jasionka. The creators of the code encourage all participants to sign it and become a part of this important initiative.
To learn more about the context of the initiative see also:
– https://www.csis.org/analysis/ensuring-ngo-accountability-reconstruction-and-humanitarian-relief-ukraine
– https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-ukraine-war-recovery-ngo-charities-monitoring-20230818-hbmnuxbo4vdl5nkhcu6vrx42qy-story.html
The initial signatories are:
“A code of conduct is a tool which brings many benefits. It can help build a reputation for your charity and demonstrate to donors that you are committed to the same values as them. We need to increase the awareness of the importance of a code of conduct. In the heart of charity, our Code of Conduct illuminates our path, ensuring that every action we take reflects the unwavering integrity of our mission.”
Olena Nikolaienko, President FFU USA & Poland, Head of Strategy and Development FFU International
“Rebuilding Ukraine is one of the greatest common challenges for Europe in the coming years. To meet this challenge, the involvement of many entities and close cooperation with Ukrainian authorities at all levels, including the local level, is essential. Therefore, we welcome the initiative to regulate the rules of conducting these activities, as it will help build greater trust and bring Ukraine even closer to Europe – also in the context of European business standards, which our companies attach great importance to.”
Rafał Dutkiewicz, President of the Employers’ Confederation of Poland