The event "Private Sector Integrity in the Western Balkans," held from 30 September to 1 October in Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, brought together more than 50 stakeholders. Organized by UNODC, the workshop was part of two projects: “Uniting Leaders for Business Integrity”, funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States, and “Southeast Europe—Together Against Corruption II (SEE-TAC II)”, implemented in partnership with the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) and funded by the Austrian Development Agency. Central to both projects is the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), along with partners’ commitments to reducing corruption in the Western Balkans by enhancing business integrity.
At the opening ceremony, the Austrian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Mr. Georg Diwald, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach involving government, the private sector, and civil society, calling it the key to progress. He also stressed the significance of fostering a "more stable and prosperous Western Balkans" and supporting the region's integration into the European Union. Mr. Dražen Jelenić, Chairperson of RAI, underscored the need to empower the private sector to address pressing societal challenges by implementing effective anti-corruption measures. In the subsequent sessions, participants explored specific forms of fraud and corruption, as well as possible tools and approaches for their prevention.
Recently, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia have adopted new anti-corruption strategies that include provisions for the private sector, while Albania and Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244) plan to launch their strategies in the coming months. North Macedonia is set to begin developing a new anti-corruption strategy in 2025.
The collaboration among key stakeholders, within the context of the regional platform for fast-tracking UNCAC implementation, reflects the region's growing commitment to combating corruption and aligning with broader European and global standards. With rising expectations from investors, governments, and consumers, business integrity has become a priority across the region. UNODC, as the guardian of the UNCAC, will continue to provide technical assistance to anti-corruption practitioners in the region to strengthen the implementation of the Convention.
