Kyiv, 29 April 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with funding from the Government of Japan, has supported astudy named “Perception of Integrity in Local Self-Government Bodies.”

The analytical report was prepared by the NGO “Institutional Development Foundation” in partnership with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, within the framework of the project “Enhancing Anti-Corruption Capacity of Communities”. Over 8,700 respondents from 24 regions of Ukraine participated in the study.

Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister for Communities and Development of Ukraine, emphasised the importance of taking a systematic approach to preventing corruption in local self-government: “Building a culture of integrity in communities is not only about compliance, it’s about transforming the philosophy of governance,” Derkach said. “The Ministry is working systematically to ensure that anti-corruption tools at the local level are not just formalities, but effective and practical mechanisms. The results of this study are a valuable reference point for us and for the communities themselves in developing policies based on trust, transparency and accountability.”The presentation of the study, held in Kyiv, brought together representatives of national and local authorities, civil society, and international partners. Participants discussed the report’s key findings and ways to strengthen integrity in local governance.

The study was conducted through a nationwide survey of four target groups directly involved in the work of local government bodies: community heads, the staff of local government bodies, authorised integrity officers within local government bodies, and business and civil society representatives with experience in anti-corruption cooperation with local governments. This comprehensive approach not only provided a full picture of the current situation but also enabled a deeper analysis of how anti-corruption practices are perceived within each group.

Serhii Hupiak, Deputy Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, noted that the study’s findings will serve as an important foundation for further strengthening anti-corruption policy at the local level: “Without real change at the community level, it is impossible to build an effective national corruption prevention system. NACP joined this study to develop practical solutions to reinforce integrity in local self-government based on facts and feedback.”

Olena Ursu, Team Leader for Democratic Governance and Inclusive Society at UNDP in Ukraine, emphasized that promoting integrity at the local level is one of UNDP’s key areas of work in Ukraine. “UNDP in Ukraine actively supports initiatives aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability in the work of local government bodies, as we believe that it is precisely at the local level where the foundation for effective recovery, public trust and sustainable development is built,” Ursu said. “It’s inspiring to see that over 80% of respondents believe that integrity equally depends on both leadership and employees, reflecting an understanding of everyone's responsibility in building integrity at the local level. UNDP will continue to be a reliable partner for communities across Ukraine, supporting the development of integrity systems and local professional capacity.”

The report also offers a number of recommendations for bodies shaping anti-corruption policy.

Read the full analytical report here. 

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine
yuliia.samus@undp.org