The platform of the “Alumni Club of the Anti-Corruption School for Young Leaders”, which has been created to unite the graduates of the “Anti-Corruption School for Young Leaders” operated by the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” non-governmental organization, has launched a series of thematic discussions dedicated to the current issues of the prevention of corruption and in that context, the challenges that Armenia faces.
On 14 January, the club organized the first video discussion on the topic “The Second Artsakh War and Corruption”. Mr. Karen Zadoyan, President of the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO, participated and facilitated the discussion. In his opening remarks Mr. Zadoyan emphasized the need for the platform and the need for anti-corruption leaders to respond to urgent issues.
The participants of the discussion first referred to the reasons for Artsakh’s defeat in the 44-day war in the format of brainstorming and exchange of views, revealed the corrupt manifestations in the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces, presented arguments and indicated the evidence of the negative role and direct impact of corruption in army building. The participants drew a parallel with Azerbaijan, viewed the issue in the context of geopolitics, identified the successes and shortcomings of the anti-corruption struggle in post-Soviet Armenia, pointing out the direct connection of anti-corruption policy with the security system.
The second part of the discussion was dedicated to the solution of the issues raised and the presentation of proposals.
Accordingly, the club members stressed the importance of the systemic fight against corruption, the need to raise it and make it heard by the public at large, the political will of the authorities, the formation of an atmosphere of intolerance to corruption, the need for anti-corruption education and the role and active participation of young anti-corruption leaders.