Entrepreneurs in Ukraine strengthen business integrity skills through OSCE training series

More than 30 entrepreneurs from across Ukraine gathered in Kyiv on 12 December for the final event of the “Business Integrity: From Values to Systems” training series organized by the OSCE in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, State Employment Service, the Made in Ukraine Offices, and the Ukrainian Network for Integrity and Compliance (UNIC). The series of courses equipped over 200 participants who run small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with practice skills to foster transparent, resilient, and sustainable growth of their businesses. 

At the concluding event, participants deepened their understanding of the values that underpin a culture of integrity in business and learned how to translate those values into day-to-day decisions. They also learned how to use simple and practical tools such as internal policies, reporting mechanisms, and compliance procedures, to help SMEs protect business, foster trust, attract clients and investors, and enhance market strength.

“Fostering a culture of responsible business among SMEs has become a priority for many entrepreneurs. We appreciate the support of our partners at the OSCE, UNIC, and the State Employment Service for delivering high-quality training sessions across the regions. This initiative has proven to be a successful pilot, and the Ministry of Economy is committed to scaling it further, as ethical business practices form the foundation of a sustainable economy," said Oleksandr Vasylchuk, Deputy Director of the Department of Regulatory Policy and Entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.

Through a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, participants identified core values driving their companies, assessed risks, and developed concrete and ready to use mini-codes of integrity tailored to their companies’ everyday needs. These practical tools focused on supporting the businesses improve co-operation with clients and partners, strengthen internal decision-making, and support a culture of accountability. 

The event also served as an opportunity for participants to connect with peers from different regions and build a network committed to responsible and transparent business practices.   

In his opening remarks, Bakyt Dzhusupov, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, emphasized the importance of integrity for rebuilding Ukraine’s economy: “Integrity in business is essential for Ukraine’s recovery, resilience and long-term competitiveness. The OSCE is proud to support entrepreneurs and institutions in building a fair, predictable, and trustworthy business environment as part of our broader mandate to promote good governance and sustainable growth across the OSCE region.”

The event was part of the OSCE-wide extrabudgetary project, Promoting Good Governance and a Positive Business Climate in the OSCE Region through Digitalization and the Use of Open Data, funded by the United States with additional support from Poland and Norway.