A two-day event named “Workshop on Conflict of Interest in the Security Sector” began in Podgorica, ME on 16th May 2023. It has been organized by RACVIAC in partnership with the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) and the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro.
The key topic of the activity is the prevention and detection of conflict of interest within the security sector, moreover, in the defence sector.
Being aware of the fact that integrity and the fight against corruption in defence and security areas presents one of the common challenges in the region, and considering that this specific topic needs to be treated in a multi-disciplinary fashion, a decision was made to organize a joint activity in that field. Similar activities have been organized jointly by all parties in the preceding years as well.
Opening statements were given by Mr Krsto Perović, State Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Montenegro, MG Slaven Zdilar, RACVIAC Deputy Director and Ms Desislava Gotskova, Head of RAI Secretariat.
Mr Perović said that this is the 4th time thus far that the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro has organized an activity on this topic together with RAI and RACVIAC because it requires the attention of all of us. “Conflict of interest can have serious consequences for our security systems and that’s why enhancing capacities of our institutions and personnel is crucial”, he emphasized.
Mg Zdilar welcomed Mr Krsto Pejović, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro, and thanked him for hosting the event once more in Podgorica. “As this event is a joint effort, I would like to use this opportunity to thank RAI (Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative) for the long-standing and exceptional cooperation with us so far. It gives me great pleasure to extend a very warm welcome to the head of RAI Secretariat, Ms Desislava Gotskova”, he added.
Ms Gotskova on behalf of RAI thanked RACVIAC and the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro for coorganizing this activity. “Corruption poses a serious threat to the institutions and that’s why we have to work together in this field”, she concluded.
The introductory speeches were followed by presentations by the participants and their expectations regarding the Workshop.
The objective of the Workshop is to increase the capacity of the relevant entities in the ministries of defence in relation to conflicts of interest, as well as to increase awareness about the best practices. It is anticipated that the participants will gain a better understanding of the specific elements regarding conflict of interest.
During this two-day event the impact of conflict of interest on decision-making, transparency and trust in our institutions, as well as on overall security of our region will be explored.
The Workshop has gathered national professionals in the security sector (more specifically, in the defence sector) who manage relevant cases and implement conflict of interest policies at the national level. The target audience of the Workshop are mid-level representatives of the ministries of defence – internal control units, professional standards units, etc., as well as anti-corruption agencies and other relevant national institutions. Participants are also envisaged to take an active part in the dialogue.
The Workshop is organized as an active and vibrant environment that will enable all participants to share their knowledge and experience and to learn about the topics from peers in the security sector.
