15th April 2021 - The Middle East and North Africa
Corruption is an economic, social, and political phenomenon that affects all sectors of society and countering it must be holistic and systematic to ensure a sustained impact and an active involvement of all stakeholders. As the private sector plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development and in the economies of all states, its involvement in countering corruption and promoting integrity is imperative if states are to end corruption.
UNODC organized, in collaboration with the Egyptian Anti-Corruption Academy, the Iraqi Anti-Corruption Academy and the Libyan Ministry of Economy and Industry, three training workshops in Egypt, Iraq and Libya under the theme “Countering Corruption and Promoting Integrity in the Private Sector” with the participation of 59 representatives from the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and with national counterparts working in the field of addressing corruption.
During these workshops, the participants were introduced to the national anti-corruption frameworks within which they operate and the
United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), as well as the different types of corruption, how and why it takes place, how it affects their business environment and most importantly how they can act against it and reduce it through risk assessments, internal controls and compliance programs. The workshops provided platforms within which representatives from SMEs were able to discuss the challenges they face with the national concerned authorities and share ideas and knowledge concerning countering corruption and promoting integrity.
These workshops were held within the framework of the project “Strengthening the Private Sector Capacity to Prevent Corruption and Enhance Integrity in the Arab Countries”, funded by Siemens Integrity Initiative and being implemented by UNODC in six Arab countries; Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Morocco, Sudan and the UAE.
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