Corruption challenges in focus at youth-public-private partnership forum supported by OSCE Office in Yerevan

An anti-corruption youth-public-private partnership forum offering practical knowledge and know-how in the fight against corruption was held on 18 20 November 2016 in Aghveran, Kotayk region of Armenia with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Some 60 participants, including representatives from government institutions, civil society and students from high schools and universities participated in the event organized in co-operation with the Delegation of the European Union  to Armenia, the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, the Future Is Yours NGO, the Civil Society Organizations’ (CSO) Anti-Corruption Coalition of Armenia and the Freedom of Information Centre.

The younger participants were briefed on the government’s anti-corruption policies, as well as activities and efforts in reducing instances of corruption. Deputy Minister of Justice Suren Krmoyan, who presented the state’s anti-corruption  reforms, noted: “The activism and initiative of youth is very important in all spheres, and they should have the opportunity to raise their concerns regarding the state, private and education spheres.”

Anti-corruption experts shared their experience of fighting corruption in various spheres such as private-state relations, business, free competition, and tax and customs procedures. Hakob Avagyan, chairperson of the Small and Medium Enterprisers Co-operation Association said: “This initiative enabled young people to break stereotypes to express concerns to the state authorities and to assume dialogue with them.”

The young participants addressed the issue of accountability, discussed mechanisms to fight corruption and their ideas on how to promote free competition.