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Private sector plays an important role in combating corruption in South-Eastern Europe
11 May 2022, Tirana, Albania: Corruption may affect all types of businesses — from global companies to small and medium-sized enterprises — therefore, the private sector has a vital role in promoting integrity. With this in mind, the UNODC Civil Society Unit together with the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) and the International Chamber of Commerce in Albania organized the workshop on Implementing the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in South Eastern Europe: private sector integrity. The event brought together 20 representatives from small enterprises, Chambers of Commerce, business Unions and other entities from across the region.
During the two days, the participants discussed and shared experience on the involvement of the private sector in the development and implementation of effective anti-corruption measures and policies, in the context of the UNCAC. The regional event was made possible thanks to the financial support from the Austrian Development Cooperation Agency. Speaking at the opening, the Ambassador of Austria in Albania, highlighted that this regional workshop presents a prime opportunity for the private sector to engage in a dialogue aiming to consolidate efforts in the fight against corruption.
The Head of the RAI Secretariat noted that “by enhancing response to governance issues and improving compliance frameworks of the private sector, we are contributing to strengthening regional efforts to curb corruption and strengthening our economic outlook which is our utmost goal”.
Through projects, such as “Southeast Europe Together against Corruption (SEE-TAC)” stakeholders are working to contribute to strengthened resilience of societies to corruption, including through collective action commitments, such as the Belgrade Outcome Statement.
UNCAC is the only global legally binding anti-corruption instrument and highlights through its Article 12, the importance of engaging the private sector in the prevention of corruption.
This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.5 on substantially reducing corruption and bribery.
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