OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine

Recognizing Ukraine's goal to pursue democratic reform and integrate further into European and Euro-Atlantic structures, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine has launched the project "Further Strengthening of Democratic Governance Practices in Ukraine".

The project aims to assist Ukraine with the development of democratic institutions and governance, and widen public participation in decision-making. The two-year project has the following four areas of focus:

1. Public participation in decision-making

The first project area involves assisting Ukraine with increasing the transparency of its decision-making process and public services. The project is based on Ukraine's international commitments and the recommendations made by the OSCE (in particular those found in "Best practices in Combating Corruption") and by other international organizations of which Ukraine is a member.

Working in close co-operation with the relevant local authorities, the Project Co-ordinator's office aims to:

• Identify key government policies that directly influence the development of society and where wider public participation would facilitate the government's work. 
• Create regional civil society expert groups that correspond to governmental working groups on issues of state policy. 
• Increase the participation of women in politics and decision-making through leadership skills training, career counseling, developing and promoting women's organizations, and launching a national public awareness campaign. 
• Support the further development of Ukraine's electronic information system designed to ensure public access to information from authorities.

2. Civic education

It is especially important for youth and first-time voters to gain a firm understanding of the role of elections in a democracy. In co-operation with the Ukrainian authorities, the second part of the project will focus on a multi-disciplinary education campaign.

Based on the goals of the Slovenian OSCE chairmanship, the Project Co-ordinator's office aims to:

• Undertake a nationwide educational programme targeted at first-time voters. 
• Increase young people's participation in decision-making through leadership skills training and career development, developing youth associations and clubs, and conducting a national public awareness campaign. 
• Assist in the development of Public Citizens' Offices (Hromadsky Primalny) under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice that will be responsible for educating the public about government structures and functions.

3. Follow-up to elections

Ukrainian authorities have shown determination to further improve all institutions involved in holding fair and transparent elections.

Based on recommendations from the Central Election Commission of Ukraine and international organizations, the third component of the project will build on the progress made during the last presidential election to enhance the fairness and transparency of future elections.

Drawing on lessons learned from previous elections, the Project Co-ordinator's office aims to:

• Support government efforts to address ODIHR recommendations made during the 2004 presidential and 2002 parliamentary elections. 
• Assist the Central Election Commission with introducing an electronic, unified voter registry. 
• Assist bodies of local self-government in implementing legislation according to their mandates and in co-ordination with the Central Election Commission.

4. Public access to information

Access to information is essential for sustainable democracy and a healthy media. To support the national information policy of Ukraine, as outlined in the country's Law on Information, the Project Co-ordinator's office aims to:

• Support government efforts to provide wider access to public information by creating and implementing training programmes. 
• Provide technical support to representatives of central and local government information services, with an emphasis on public outreach. 
• Support the strengthening of the media sector through media management training, focusing on accounting practices and adherence to relevant legislation.