In his address, Drakić emphasized that the fight against corruption cannot and must not be the responsibility of a single institution. Promoting integrity, ethics, and accountability in public administration, he stressed, must be a shared mission of all stakeholders — decision-makers, institutions, and citizens.

“Creating the conditions for the consistent application of these values is an obligation of all those who design and implement public policies. The Agency has a special task to insist on interinstitutional cooperation and contribute to effective coordination of anti-corruption activities,” Drakić stated.

Speaking about the challenges the Agency for Prevention of Corruption faced in the previous period, he recalled that the Agency’s efforts were met with open attempts to undermine its work and damage its institutional integrity.

“Despite that, I can say with full responsibility — we endured. The public and the public interest prevailed. For now! We have shown that institutions can and must be stronger than any political or interest-driven pressure. Still, challenges remain. We believe in the integrity of all involved stakeholders, and especially all members of the Agency’s Council,” he emphasized.

He particularly highlighted the role of the Anti-Corruption Strategy and its accompanying action plan, which for a year now have served as the foundation for setting priorities and strengthening institutional capacities. In that context, he pointed to the need for further improvement of coordination with the Anti-Corruption Council, clearer definition of goals, increased public involvement, and more effective monitoring of results.

In conclusion, Drakić thanked UNODC for organizing the workshop and for its long-standing support, adding that the Agency will remain committed to developing an efficient, accountable, and resilient system in the fight against corruption in the period ahead.