A crucial regional conference on “Private Sector Integrity in the Western Balkans” took place from September 30 to October 1, 2024, on Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This event, part of the Southeast Europe – Together Against Corruption II (SEE-TAC II) programme, marked an important step towards tackling corruption in the private sector across the region. The conference brought together over 50 participants, including representatives from national anti-corruption agencies, government ministries, civil society, and the private sector.
With the private sector often cited as both a driver and a victim of corruption, the event focused on the essential role businesses play in strengthening transparency and accountability. By fostering collaboration between public and private entities, the conference aimed to set the stage for a coordinated effort against corruption in the Western Balkans.
High-Level Support for Anti-Corruption Efforts
The conference was inaugurated by several distinguished figures who reaffirmed the importance of this initiative. H.E. Mr. Georg Diwald, Austrian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized Austria’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts in the region, including through the Austrian Development Agency, which funds the SEE-TAC II programme. In his speech, Ambassador Diwald addressed the growing challenges that corruption poses to the private sector and the need for a strong regional response to tackle these issues.
Mr. Drazen Jelenic, Chairperson of the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI), highlighted the need for integrity in the private sector, stressing its contribution to long-term profitability and the broader societal benefits of rooting out corruption. He outlined how the SEE-TAC II programme aims to improve the capacities of governments, civil society, and businesses to fight corruption at all levels. Mr. Constantine Palicarsky, Regional Adviser for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), connected the discussion to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), emphasizing that the private sector has an essential role to play in adhering to and implementing international anti-corruption standards.
Ms. Damirka Mioc, from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Agency for the Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of the Fight Against Corruption, discussed the need for regional governments to implement stronger anti-corruption measures. She praised Bosnia and Herzegovina’s recent Anti-Corruption Strategy as a significant step toward reinforcing institutional frameworks but emphasized the need for continued efforts, especially within the private sector.
Fostering Integrity: Lessons and Discussions
Conference sessions provided a platform for expert dialogue on a range of critical topics, including regional anti-corruption strategies, promoting private sector integrity, and the implementation of UNCAC standards in business operations. Discussions also touched on ISO standards related to business integrity and explored leadership’s role in driving positive change across industries.
Sandra Damijan, lecturer at the School of Economics and Business at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, led in-depth discussions on business integrity fundamentals. These sessions reinforced that adopting robust integrity frameworks is not only about adhering to regulatory requirements but is also crucial for building trust with stakeholders and fostering sustainable business growth.
A highlight of the event was the group discussion on cross-cutting themes, which focused on how to promote integrity across borders in the Western Balkans. Participants shared experiences and best practices, exploring the challenges and opportunities for strengthening integrity in the private sector. It was unanimously agreed that collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and governments is vital to ensuring accountability and transparency across the region.
SEE-TAC II: Strengthening Regional Anti-Corruption Efforts
The SEE-TAC II programme, implemented by RAI in partnership with UNODC and funded by the Austrian Development Agency, aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders in Southeast Europe to combat corruption. By bringing together public and private sector leaders, the programme seeks to enhance governance and create more resilient institutions that can effectively address corruption in both sectors.
This regional conference was a key milestone in the programme’s broader mission to promote integrity and accountability across the Western Balkans. It laid the foundation for future actions aimed at addressing corruption not just as a legal issue but as a systemic threat to development and prosperity.
Call to Action: A Collaborative Approach to Fighting Corruption
As corruption remains a pervasive issue in the Western Balkans, the private sector must play a more active role in supporting transparency and ethical practices. The success of anti-corruption efforts hinges on a collective approach that involves businesses adopting rigorous internal controls and governments ensuring effective enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
UnitedActionFoundation urges continued regional cooperation to strengthen the private sector’s role in the fight against corruption. Effective anti-corruption strategies must be embedded in everyday business practices, and this requires leadership, commitment, and a willingness to embrace transparency and accountability at all levels.
By taking part in initiatives such as the SEE-TAC II programme, stakeholders across the Western Balkans can pave the way for a future where corruption is significantly reduced, and trust in public and private institutions is restored.
Conclusion: Integrity as the Cornerstone of Development
The Private Sector Integrity in the Western Balkans conference has reaffirmed the importance of coordinated efforts between the private sector, civil society, and governments to combat corruption. By strengthening regional cooperation and adopting international standards, the Western Balkans can build a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous future.
UnitedActionFoundation will continue to support initiatives like SEE-TAC II that focus on creating a sustainable anti-corruption culture across Southeast Europe. The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities to foster lasting change through integrity, accountability, and transparency.