DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/59/222-226
Jabbar Mirzeyev
Academy of Public Administration under the
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Master student
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0758-7852
jabbar.mirzeyev.03@gmail.com
International Approaches to the Formation of Ethical
Standards in Public Service
Abstract
The study examines how the formation and implementation of ethical norms in public service have been institutionalized through the role of international organizations and global mechanisms. The introduction emphasizes the strategic importance of ethical conduct for strengthening public trust, preventing corruption, and ensuring transparency in governance. The analysis shows that the 1996 UN “International Code of Conduct for Public Officials” and the principles of the Human Rights Council provide universality; the OECD’s 1998 Recommendation and the updated 2017 “Recommendation on Public Integrity” standardized practical rules concerning conflict of interest, acceptance of gifts, confidentiality, and transparency. The 2000 Council of Europe Model Code established objectivity and political neutrality, while the EU’s “European Code of Good Administrative Behaviour” and “EU Staff Regulations” reinforced oversight and complaint mechanisms through the Ombudsman. The UN Convention against Corruption UNCAC (2003) elevated the creation of codes and the merit-based principle to a legal obligation; the ILO Convention No.111 prohibited discrimination as part of the ethical environment; INTOSAI’s ISSAI 130 Code of Ethics set independence and objectivity as a reference framework for audit. Among global enforcement mechanisms, the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE), Canada’s Integrity Commissioner, the EU Ombudsman, as well as annual declarations of financial interests, disciplinary procedures, regular training, digital portals, and civil society monitoring stand out. Ultimately, ethical codes are not abstract declarations but adaptive governance instruments supported by legal (obligation and sanctions), institutional (independent oversight bodies), technological (online consultation and declaration platforms), and societal (complaints and accountability) pillars.
Keywords: public service, code of ethics, international organizations, public trust, anti-corruption mechanisms