6 December 2024, Karachi - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is committed to strengthening the fight against corruption through its Global Action for Business Integrity (GABI) project, supported by Siemens Integrity Initiative. As part of the ongoing initiatives, a specialized series of Business Integrity Awareness workshops for Pakistan’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were held recently in Lahore and Karachi., aimed at promoting ethical practices, transparency, and accountability within the SME sector while providing a platform for knowledge exchange, peer learning and capacity building.
Recognizing SMEs as key drivers of economic growth in Pakistan, the workshops were tailored to meet the specific needs of SMEs, with an agenda that emphasized practical approaches and interactive learning The workshops were mainly attended by compliance officers from various SMEs and professionals involved in compliance roles, reflecting the sector's increasing recognition of the critical role compliance plays in promoting sustainable growth. The sessions were specifically designed to strengthen compliance frameworks within companies, enabling them to align their operations with ethical standards and legal requirements.
The workshop sessions covered critical topics such as ethical corporate lobbying, transparency in business practices, and the development of internal codes of conduct. Participants also explored strategies for recognizing and managing conflicts of interest and implementing policies to maintain professional and organizational integrity. The importance of a culture of openness through whistleblower protection mechanisms was another key area of discussion, providing participants with insights on how to encourage employees to report unethical practices confidently. Participants also learned about disclosure of information and the assessment of corruption risks, which are essential for promoting transparency, enabling organizations to identify vulnerabilities, and implement targeted measures to mitigate unethical practices effectively.
The workshops featured expert-led sessions by UNODC designed to enhance the learning experience. The sessions also served as a valuable networking platform, enabling participants to share experiences, learn from each other’s challenges, and explore good practices. The participants were led through practical examples, providing actionable insights. As observed by Khakan Bin Javed, Business Unit Head from Vikor Group, “The workshop has equipped us with the knowledge and tolls to uphold ethical standards in our daily operations, fostering a culture of honesty and accountability.”
The sessions highlighted the importance of integrity as a key pillar for sustainable economic growth and emphasized the collective role of businesses in creating a transparent and accountable business environment.
The Global Action for Business Integrity Project remains committed to supporting companies in Pakistan, ensuring that ethical practices become a standard in business operations across sectors in Pakistan.
