Safeguarding the Independence of Public Institutions

Independent public institutions play a critical role in promoting accountability, protecting rights, strengthening public trust and supporting evidence-informed decision-making. Yet institutions do not operate in isolation. Their ability to fulfil their mandates also depends on the wider accountability ecosystem in which they operate – including the relationships, frameworks and enabling conditions that allow institutions to remain independent and reinforce one another.

This webinar series will provide a space for those working on these issues in practice to exchange experiences, learn from one another and explore approaches to shared challenges. 

Across three interconnected webinars, the series will move from understanding, to practice, to action. Discussions will examine the foundations of independent and resilient accountability ecosystems, draw lessons from country experiences, and consider priorities for future policy, programming and research. Country experiences will be at the centre of the discussions, complemented by international and comparative perspectives.

The series is particularly relevant for those working in or with Supreme Audit Institutions, Anti-Corruption Commissions, National Statistical Offices, National Human Rights Institutions, judiciaries and parliaments, as well as others working to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of public institutions.

Webinar Series

Webinar 1: Understanding the Foundations 

WEDNESDAY, 14 OCTOBER 2026 | 2:00–3:30 PM CET

The opening webinar will establish a common understanding of accountability ecosystems and explore the foundations of institutional independence and resilience. It will consider the shared challenges facing different public institutions and how stronger relationships across the accountability ecosystem can support institutions in carrying out their mandates effectively.

Webinar 2: Lessons from Country Experience

WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2026 | 2:00–3:30 PM CET

The second webinar will turn to practice, drawing on country experiences to examine how accountability ecosystems are built, strengthened and sustained. The discussion will explore the institutional relationships and enabling conditions that allow institutions to support one another while maintaining their distinct mandates and independence.

Webinar 3: Shaping the Future Agenda

WEDNESDAY, 18 november 2026 | 2:00–3:30 PM CET

The final webinar will look ahead, identifying priorities for strengthening accountability ecosystems through policy, development programming, research, international partnerships and technical assistance. The session will provide an interactive space for participants to share experiences and ideas for future action.

Registration

Registration covers all three sessions. Participants are welcome to join one, several or all three webinars. The webinar link will be shared with registered participants in advance.

Register for the webinar series: Registration Form

The webinar series is jointly convened by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD).