Project Update
Young representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Moldova explore integrity and good governance during OSCE–IACA study visit
- Issued on:
- Issued by:
- Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities
- Fields of work:
- Economic activities, Good governance, Youth
Young participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Moldova explored how to strengthen youth engagement in anti-corruption efforts during a study visit to the OSCE and the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) respective headquarters in Vienna and Laxenburg on International Anti-Corruption Day on 10 December.
The participants from Moldova were part of an anti-corruption volunteer program at the National Anticorruption Center, and participants from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were beneficiaries of the OSCE youth crime prevention project. They visited IACA where they explored the fundamentals of corruption and its impact on societies and the part young people can play in promoting integrity and driving positive change. “Do not underestimate the role and gravitas you have as young people,” said Martin Kreutner, First Dean (em.) of IACA.
They also met with senior officials at the OCSE headquarters where they learned about the OSCE’s anti-corruption activities across the region. This was followed by a meeting with Ambassador Victoria Roșa, Permanent Representative at Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the OSCE.
“Every lived experience is shaping your personality and your professional life. If you are passionate about something, and you don’t count the hours until the job is done, you are definitely in the right place. Leadership comes not only with privileges, but it comes with responsibility for the decisions you make and responsibility towards your team and people you are accountable to,” said Ambassador Roșa.
The study visit aimed to equip youth representatives with a practical understanding of integrity, good governance and international anti-corruption standards, while strengthening their capacity to act as agents of change in their communities and schools. Through direct exchanges with experts, OSCE officials and diplomats, participants gained insights they can apply in their on-going volunteer and youth-led initiatives, helping to build a new generation of committed leaders in the fight against corruption.
The study visit underscored the OSCE’s commitment to empowering young people as partners in promoting good governance and integrity across the OSCE region. It was a joint initiative of two OSCE extra-budgetary projects: “Supporting anti-corruption efforts of the Government of Moldova”, funded by France, Germany, Italy and Romania, and implemented in co-operation with the National Anticorruption Center of Moldova; and the “Enhancing youth crime and drug use prevention through education on legality and awareness campaigns addressing threats of organized crime and corruption”, funded by Germany with additional support from Andorra, Finland, Italy, Norway, Poland and Thailand.