Global Compact Networks commemorate Anti-Corruption Day

The following is an article submitted by Global Compact Local Networks. Please contact the network representative listed below with any questions regarding its contents.

New York, 22 December 2020 ― Aligned with the theme for International Anti-Corruption Day, “Recover with Integrity”, UN Global Compact  CEO and Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo delivered a key message urging leaders to pay particular heed to the dangers of corruption in the age of COVID-19 and highlighting the importance of collective action against corruption to recover with integrity and inclusivity.

Further, Global Compact Local Networks from across the world held events to mark this important day, including in Colombia, Guatemala and Ukraine.

Colombia –The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime  (UNODC) national office in Colombia organized an event with the support of the Global Compact Local Network Colombia, Siemens, the Presidency of Colombia, Bogota Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor's Office of Bogota. Discussions, including a panel moderated by the Executive Director of Global Compact Local Network Colombia, Mauricio Lopez, focused mainly on the importance of collective action to continue contributing to the fight against corruption that affects Colombia and the wider Latin-American region in order to recover better after the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 500 people attended virtually.

For the first time in the country, the Global Compact Local Network Colombia  launched  the Publication of Good Practices in Anti-Corruption, with the support of Alliance for Integrity and UNODC Colombia. The main thematic areas include culture of integrity, conflict of interest, risk management in anti-corruption and complaints channels.

Guatemala – The Global Compact Local Network Guatemala held a virtual event entitled: Commitment and Compliance – the Relevance of Ethics against Corruption. The objective was to create awareness about the importance of business working against corruption in all its forms and the relevance of implementing policies and mechanisms that reduce the risks of engaging in corrupt practices. This panel was organized by Global Compact Local Network Guatemala, Ethikos Global and the United Nations Development Programme. A representative from Movistar Colombia also participated. 

During the event, the President of the Network officially launched their Ethics and Transparency Programme, the  objective of which is to create greater awareness among businesses to engage in this initiative. The programme seeks to promote collective action against corruption.

The Code of Ethics reflects the commitment of Guatemala’s people and institutions that are related to the Global Compact to the application of the values and principles that they represent, seen day by day in the actions of the organization. Among the issues addressed in the document is the approach needed to create an effective ethics committee. It also includes programmes to share standards and best practices to encourage organizations to adopt and strengthen the culture of ethics, compliance and  their anti-corruption practices.

Ukraine – From 7 to 11 December 2020, Global Compact Local Network Ukraine organized an Anti-Corruption Week, holding a series of expert panels, discussions and presentations. Subjects explored were anti-corruption practices and compliance procedures in companies, and innovation in the field. Specific attention was given to opportunities for collaboration on multi-stakeholder projects. Speakers included compliance officers and directors, lawyers, partners, expert advisors, technical project managers, government officials and innovators, representing the following companies: CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, Online Education Studio EdEra, National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Transparency International Ukraine, Metinvest Group, Scania Ukraine, Naftogaz, Ukrenergo, Compliance Directors of BASF, DTEK, Caparol, Kyivstar and Shell Ukraine. 

On 10 December, a high-level forum on the subject of collective action initiatives was co-organized with UNIC – the Ukrainian Network of Integrity and Compliance –joined by an international panel of experts from OECD, INSEAD and others.

With up to 30 participants per zoom call, the online reach of 3,878 viewers was made possible via six Facebook Live streams held over the week. The week's recordings are available on YouTube. 

On 9 December, 17 companies and NGOs co-signed a memorandum declaring their support for a joint principles-based initiative. Opening remarks were given by the Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention. After that, participants watched the pre-release screening of the documentary “Red Line: Corruption,” a film created by journalists from Ukrayinska Pravda. The event saw over 50 attendees, including  from business, Government, civil society leaders, judges, NGOs and representatives of various other initiatives.