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An off-line training session was held in Kherson for representatives of civil society organizations, initiative groups, and active citizens, focusing on issues of government transparency, integrity, the prevention of conflicts of interest, and public oversight of government decisions.
During the training, participants discussed why government transparency and accountability are the foundation of trust within the community, especially in a frontline region where a significant portion of decisions concern reconstruction, humanitarian response, security, and the use of public funds.
The participants examined the concept of conflict of interest, its potential and actual manifestations, and practical examples from government agency activities, including procurement, land relations, personnel decisions, budget expenditures, and permit issuance. In particular, they discussed situations in the areas of procurement, land relations, personnel decisions, budget expenditures, the issuance of permits, and the management of public utilities. Mechanisms for preventing such risks were discussed separately: disclosure and registration of conflicts of interest, recusal from decision-making, oversight, sanctions, and fostering a culture of integrity.
The training also addressed the use of digital transparency tools. Participants discussed the potential uses of Prozorro, open registries, electronic declarations, analytics, and monitoring to identify potential violations and strengthen public oversight.
There was also active discussion regarding the limitations on access to information under martial law and the risks this poses to the procurement monitoring process.
During the event, participants noted that digital systems are not a panacea in and of themselves—they work effectively only when there is active public participation, political will, proper oversight, and a willingness on the part of officials to act with integrity.
The training was not intended to turn active citizens into professional auditors. Its goal was to provide participants with basic, practical, and safe tools for civic oversight that can be applied in everyday civic activities: asking the right questions, working with open sources, identifying common risks, formulating constructive requests for clarification, and engaging in dialogue with authorities.
During the meeting, the idea of an online tool for civic monitoring was also presented—an educational game that will help participants reinforce their knowledge through practical scenarios, analyze situations, and decide on possible actions in the event risks are identified. Participants had the opportunity to provide initial feedback and suggestions regarding this format.
Holding such training sessions in Kherson is particularly important because, amid ongoing security challenges, the community needs not only a rapid response but also the preservation of trust, transparency, and accountability in the recovery process. When citizens have a better understanding of how decisions are made, how funds are spent, and what oversight mechanisms exist, it strengthens the community’s ability to influence recovery processes and prevent abuse.
This training was produced with the financial support of the European Union and Equal Rights & Independent Media (ERIM). Its contents are the sole responsibility of Kherson Regional Charitable Foundation "Union" and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU and ERIM.
