To mark International Anti-Corruption Day today, the Platform of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Fight Against Corruption, supported by USAID, organized a conference titled, “Urgent Priority Reforms: Strengthening the Institutional Framework in the Fight Against Corruption: Was Progress Made?” at the Alexander Palace Hotel in Skopje. The conference gathered together representatives from the government, public institutions, the media, and civil society to discuss a coordinated effort to fight corruption in Macedonia. It included panel discussions on challenges in strengthening institutional frameworks; the selection and appointment process of judges, public prosecutors, members of regulatory and oversight bodies; and the role of CSOs in the fight against corruption. 

U.S. Ambassador Jess Baily joined the third and final panel discussion of the conference. In his remarks he affirmed the United States’ commitment to helping Macedonia build transparent, accountable institutions and strengthen criminal justice systems that hold the corrupt accountable. “Civil society and independent media are critical partners because citizen advocacy and oversight are key to holding governments accountable for their end of the social contract,” Ambassador Baily said.

The Minister of Justice Renata Deskoska, Member of the Macedonian Parliament Pavle Bogoevski, General Secretary at the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption Rozeta Trajan, and the Head of the Delegation of the European Union Samuel Žbogar, were among other speakers at the conference.

The conference was organized by Transparency International as part of its Strengthening CSOs’ Platform in the Fight Against Corruption that has 16 local CSO members. This initiative is part of USAID’s Civic Engagement Project that strengthens the capacity of CSOs and youth groups to advance public policies, improve public services, promote good governance, and contribute to improving the standard of living in Macedonia.

NOTE TO EDITORS

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $640 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, and enhance integrated education. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit USAID’s website and Facebook page.