IBLF Global publishes a letter in the Financial Times

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy

13 October 2023

Today, the Financial Times published a Letter, written by the CEO of IBLF Global, Brook Horowitz, about the link between reconstruction and anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine, in response to Tony Barber's article of 30th September on Battling corruption in Ukraine.

In the letter, Brook argues that in former authoritarian countries, defeating antiquated attitudes and social norms is just as big a challenge as issuing new rules and regulations. Where this has not happened, anti-corruption reforms have languished. Underpinning the anti-corruption effort is a broader engagement and participation of the whole of society.

Supported by western governments, development banks and international and local NGOs. Ukraine has got off to a good start, embracing a plethora of multipronged initiatives which target not only government but business and civil society.

Globally, the importance of the private sector as an ally of government in combating corruption has been recognised by the US Government as part of its Strategy for Countering Corruption.

In Ukraine, the new generation of investors and multinationals involved in the reconstruction effort will have a key part in rooting out corruption and raising business standards to the best international level. If handled right, Ukraine could become a unique experiment in both the reconstruction of physical infrastructure and in reprogramming the “software” of society based on rule of law, transparency and accountability.

Financial Times

IBLF Global