The Agency for Prevention of Corruption, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organized a regional conference titled “Prevention of Corruption: Regional Anti-Corruption Approaches and Challenges”, held on October 28–29 in Petrovac.

The conference brought together heads of anti-corruption bodies from across the region, experts in the field of anti-corruption, representatives of international organizations, embassies, civil society, and the media.

The goal of the event was to exchange experiences, expertise, and best practices, as well as to enhance cooperation and dialogue on common challenges and strategies for preventing corruption at the regional level.

In his opening remarks, Acting Director of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption, Dušan Drakić, emphasized that the conference represents an important opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and a coordinated approach in the fight against corruption:

“Only through joint efforts, open exchange of experiences, and continuous cooperation can we strengthen institutional integrity and citizens’ trust in institutions,” Drakić stated.

Deputy Prime Minister for the Political System, Justice, and Anti-Corruption, Momo Koprivica, pointed out that corruption is a phenomenon that transcends national borders:

“In this context, regional cooperation in anti-corruption efforts and active data exchange contribute to more complete and efficient institutional work. Without such cooperation, our anti-corruption systems remain unfinished,” Koprivica said.

Minister of Justice, Bojan Božović, underlined that the fight against corruption is a key precondition for strengthening both society and the state, and an essential obligation on Montenegro’s path toward European integration:

“The Ministry of Justice should serve as a support system for the Agency for Prevention of Corruption in developing legal frameworks that serve as tools for its work. We will give full support to the Agency in its efforts to take even stronger steps in this fight,” Božović stated.

Mr. Constantine Palicarsky from UNODC highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in the fight against corruption as a crucial mechanism for strengthening institutional trust, improving the effectiveness of investigations, and achieving sustainable results in preventing and suppression of corruption in the region. He emphasized that UNODC, through its regional platform for monitoring the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, will continue to support jurisdictions in the region, including Montenegro.

During the two-day conference, participants discussed three key thematic areas:

1. Building integrity and preventive mechanisms – e-learning programs, education, campaigns, confidential counselling, and corruption risk assessment (CRA);
2. Comprehensive anti-corruption frameworks: best practices and lessons learned – focusing on strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring the financial independence of institutions;
3. Addressing conflicts of interest in the performance of public functions – challenges and approaches regarding incompatibility of functions, acceptance of gifts, and restrictions in performing public functions.

The conference reaffirmed the joint commitment of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption and UNODC to their shared goal – improving transparency, accountability, and integrity in the public sector, as well as further strengthening institutional capacities for the prevention and fight against corruption throughout the region.