TASHKENT: Uzbekistan’s President has approved a resolution aimed at enhancing the nation’s anti-corruption efforts through continuous education and training for both the public and civil servants.
The resolution emphasizes the need to further develop a culture of zero tolerance towards corruption among citizens and government officials, aiming to inoculate them with an ‘integrity vaccine’ and enhance their knowledge and skills in combating corruption in line with contemporary standards.
Effective January 1, 2025, Uzbekistan will launch the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy electronic platform (Virtual Academy) to facilitate ongoing education. The Anti-Corruption Agency and the Law Enforcement Academy will oversee educational activities on this platform.
The Agency will select civil servants for training, approve annual training schedules in collaboration with the Academy, and ensure high-quality educational standards. Progress at the Virtual Academy will be reported annually to the National Anti-Corruption Council.
The Virtual Academy will offer basic courses free of charge to all citizens, with tailored educational programs for preschoolers, students, entrepreneurs, and NGO representatives, taking into account their specific needs and fields of operation. Mandatory training in anti-corruption measures will be required for all civil servants.
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance legal awareness and societal immunity to corruption, fostering integrity values across generations. The platform will also support research and educational initiatives on anti-corruption topics at higher education institutions and research organizations.
A roadmap has been approved to ensure the efficient functioning and enhancement of the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy, with plans for its full launch by January 1, 2025, and specialized educational content for children and students by October 1, 2024.
As part of the Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment (GRACE) Initiative, Uzbekistan will produce high-quality animated films, videos, and audio materials aimed at educating students.
The establishment of the Virtual Academy marks a significant step towards cultivating an uncompromising stance against corruption and continuously improving the knowledge and skills necessary to combat corruption within Uzbek society.
