Skopje, 11 December 2023 (MIA) - Civil society is an important observer of every government's work, which is why its role is of great importance for every democratic system. The government's attitude, or the attitude of government institutions towards civil society, is a reflection of the democratic maturity of a society. We can only have efficient anti-corruption measures if civil society is involved in their creation, implementation, and control of implementation, Deputy PM for good governance policies Slavica Grkovska told Sunday's global Civil Society Forum.

The Anti-Corruption Civil Society Forum, which brings together both the non-government sector and government representatives from around the world, is organized by the U.S. Department of State and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), ahead of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Conference of the States Parties (COSP), in Atlanta, United States, which will begin on Monday, the Government said in a press release.

Deputy PM Grkovska addressed a panel on the role of civil society in anti-corruption efforts.

"Dealing with corruption is a challenge, not only for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans, but on a global level. That is why through creating long-term and sustainable policies, with the involvement of all social factors, especially the civil society, we can achieve tangible results," Grkovska said.  

She added that people in North Macedonia are becoming less tolerant of corruption, which is a good sign and an even greater obligation for authorities to fight against corruption.

The civil society in North Macedonia, Grkovska highlighted, has great expertise, especially in terms of corruption in public procurement, and the situation in judiciary, which is of great importance for policy creators and decision-makers. She added that it is important to take into consideration the specifics of the state, institutions and society when creating measures, as the only way to make sure we have efficient and well-targeted measures.

Deputy PM Grkovska also presented the South-East Europe Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Women Leaders Forum, established on her initiative, which represents a networking platform for women leaders from the region who have made a significant contribution in this area, and a support platform for all those who, due to their commitment and professionalism, have been subjected to unprincipled attacks.

Secretary for Public Integrity at Brazil's Office of the Comptroller GeneralIzabela Corrêa, Executive Director of TI-Madagascar/Vice Chair of Transparency International, Ketakandriana Rafitoson, and Southern Africa Director, Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa, Pusetso Morapedi also addressed the panel.

Deputy PM Grkovska will address a plenary session on the first day of the COSP 10 conference, the press release reads. ssh/nn/

Photo: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia