Lecture at the University of Prishtina on Preventing Conflict of Interest

Esad Ejupi, a director at the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, delivered a lecture and held discussions with the leadership of the University of Prishtina (UP), along with deans and secretaries of academic units, on preventing conflicts of interest.

Director Ejupi, who heads the Department for Prevention of Conflict of Interest, explained that such conflicts often arise during decision-making and can be avoided through proper management. He clarified that a conflict of interest is not in itself corruption, but if left unaddressed, it can lead to corruption or other unlawful acts.

The lecture took place in the Senate hall. During the session, rector Prof. Arben Hajrullahu asked Director Ejupi how to handle situations where a Senate member with a potential conflict of interest on a particular matter refuses to leave the room or even attempts to vote.

Director Ejupi suggested that in such cases, the member should be reminded of their potential conflict and asked to step out. If they refuse and later vote anyway, their vote should not be counted, and the meeting minutes should reflect that they were not present for that decision.

He emphasized that conflicts of interest can be prevented early if the person involved is identified or voluntarily declares it. Director Ejupi also noted that conflict of interest should not be used within public institutions to intimidate or pressure colleagues.

In closing, Director Ejupi commended the University of Prishtina for its commitment to integrity, ending his lecture with a quote from the renowned writer Albert Camus: “Integrity has no need of rules.”