Uzbekistan Launches Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy to Educate Citizens and Civil Servants

On Tuesday, the President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution titled “On measures to introduce a system of continuous improvement of knowledge of the population and civil servants in the fight against corruption.” This initiative aims to enhance the legal and institutional frameworks for preventing and combating corruption, while also fostering an intolerant attitude towards corruption among the populace and civil servants.

Recognizing the need for a systematic approach to immunize society with an "integrity vaccine," the resolution seeks to elevate the knowledge and skills necessary for fighting corruption to meet modern requirements. As part of this effort, Uzbekistan will launch the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy (Virtual Academy) on January 1, 2025. This electronic platform will play a central role in the continuous education of both citizens and civil servants in anti-corruption measures.

The Anti-Corruption Agency and the Law Enforcement Academy will spearhead the organization and conduct of educational activities at the Virtual Academy. They will coordinate to identify civil servants for mandatory training, approve annual training schedules, and ensure the quality of the educational process. The Anti-Corruption Agency will report annually on the Academy’s activities to the National Anti-Corruption Council.

The Virtual Academy will be accessible to all citizens, allowing them to voluntarily participate in basic courses. Tailored educational programs will be developed for various groups, including preschool and school children, students, entrepreneurs, and representatives of non-governmental organizations. These programs will consider the age, development level, and professional fields of the participants.

For civil servants, participation in the Academy's anti-corruption training is mandatory. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the legal consciousness and culture of both the population and civil servants, instilling a robust legal immunity against corruption and nurturing integrity values in the younger generation.

Training in the Academy's basic courses will be free of charge for all users, while advanced training in specialized courses will incur fees. The Anti-Corruption Agency will also recommend annual research topics in anti-corruption to higher education institutions and research organizations. These institutions will submit their research findings annually to the Agency, contributing to a comprehensive electronic database that encompasses achievements, domestic and international experiences, and scientific and practical developments in the field of anti-corruption.

This groundbreaking initiative underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to rooting out corruption through continuous education and proactive engagement with all sectors of society. By fostering a culture of integrity and transparency, the Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy aims to build a resilient and corruption-free future for Uzbekistan.