September 2024 – Following the revision of the Model Code of Conduct for Ukrainian companies initiated by experts from the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), the Ukrainian Network of Integrity and Compliance (UNIC), the Foundation for Institutional Development (FID) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Office in Ukraine convened a public discussion on the updated draft Model Code of Conduct.
During the event, stakeholders from across Ukraine’s private sector, civil society, and public enterprises shared their insights and offered recommendations for refining the Model Code of Conduct, as a key element of the State Anti-Corruption Programme 2023-2025 and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2021-2025 approved by the Government of Ukraine.
“The Model Code of Conduct is an essential tool to address the shortcomings of Ukrainian companies in ethical standards, in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which emphasises the role of the private sector in preventing corruption through the adoption of integrity standards.” Harsheth Virk (Head of Office, UNODC in Ukraine)
The Model Code of Conduct addresses key compliance and ethics issues, including the prevention of conflicts of interest, transparency of decision-making processes and the promotion of an ethical business culture. By implementing this Code, companies will be able to strengthen their competitiveness, increase foreign investment and contribute to Ukraine's economic recovery.
The representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), state-owned enterprises and anti-corruption experts who took part in the open discussion examined the relevance of the Code to the Ukrainian business landscape and its practical implementation. They also established how it could be adapted to meet the specific needs of different sectors and to respond to the various challenges of Ukraine's economic situation.
The participatory approach of the discussion enabled detailed comments to be gathered that will be incorporated into the final version of the Model Code of Conduct, which, once finalised, will serve as a flexible and adaptable tool for companies seeking to strengthen their internal compliance mechanisms and contribute to national anti-corruption efforts.
"Our collaboration with UNODC to develop the draft Model Code of Conduct is an excellent example of how anti-corruption initiatives can be turned into practical tools for businesses. Together, we have created a flexible and applicable guide that will help Ukrainian businesses to strengthen their compliance and promote a culture of integrity." Antonina Prudko (Head of UNIC Secretariat)
This activity is part of the project ‘Global Action for Business Integrity’ to Ukraine with the support of the Siemens Integrity Initiative.
UNODC is the guardian of the UN Convention against Corruption and of Principle Ten of the UN Global Compact on Anti-Corruption: 'Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery'.
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