PR No – 98
14th June, 2024
New Delhi
Corporate Governance and Ethical Practices “AC CA Playbook Training”
New Delhi, June 14, 2024 – The highly anticipated workshop on “AC CA Playbook Training,” jointly organized by the UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), concluded successfully today at PHD House, New Delhi. The workshop, held from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of anti-corruption collective action (AC CA) and promoting a culture of integrity in business environments.
Professionals from diverse sectors attended the workshop, which featured comprehensive sessions highlighting key aspects of Anti-Corruption Collective Action (AC CA) initiatives. Participants gained insights into the importance of specialized training in combating corruption, detailed steps and tools provided by the AC CA Playbook, and effective methodologies aimed at mitigating corruption challenges.
Mr. Ashish Mohan Wig, Chair, of the HR IR Committee, PHDCCI emphasized the significance and importance of collective action to fight corruption in the business sector; He said that businesses and societies face complex corruption challenges daily around the world, and Collective Action is a key approach to slowing the scale of this issue.
Dr. Somnath Singh Deputy Director, UN GCNI set the tone of the workshop by sharing the background and Importance of AC CA. He shared that The AC CA Playbook builds upon resources developed by the UN Global Compact as part of multiyear projects/programs implemented under the Siemens Integrity Initiative (SII). A series of consultations were conducted with Global Compact Local Networks representatives and the AC CA Working Group globally to receive feedback and tailor the Playbook to meet geographic, cultural, and other important considerations relevant to their business environments so that this AC CA playbook can be useful enough for all the sectors to identify and mitigate corruption challenges.
Talking about corporate governance, he said corporate governance and ethical practices are the cornerstones of sustainable and transparent business operations. In the complex landscape of global business, adhering to these principles not only ensures compliance with regulations but also fosters a culture of integrity. Implementing robust frameworks for transparency, accountability, and fairness in decision-making processes is essential. These frameworks help prioritize stakeholder interests and societal well-being, ensuring that businesses contribute positively to their communities and economies.
Mr. Rajiv Sikka, Former CEO, of India Oil -Adani Gas Pvt Limited said the AC CA approach helps foster collaboration between businesses, governments, and civil society to tackle corruption collectively, transcending individual interests for the greater good. Ethical leaders champion this cause by cultivating a culture of integrity, where adherence to anti-corruption policies is non-negotiable. They lead by example, demonstrating unwavering commitment to ethical conduct and holding all stakeholders, including themselves, accountable for upholding the highest standards of transparency and honesty. In essence, corporate governance guided by ethical leadership, and reinforced by collaborative anti-corruption efforts, paves the way for a more sustainable and equitable business landscape.
Dr. Jatinder Singh, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, talked about the importance of Ethical Leadership to combat Corruption. He said, ethical leadership plays a pivotal role in combatting corruption in India, where the issue has long been a significant challenge. In a nation striving for economic growth and social development, ethical leadership sets the tone for integrity and transparency within organizations and governmental institutions. Leaders who prioritize ethical conduct serve as role models, inspiring trust and confidence among their teams and the public alike. By fostering a culture of accountability and adherence to anti-corruption measures, ethical leaders not only mitigate the risks of corrupt practices but also drive systemic change. In India, where corruption has impeded progress and eroded public trust, ethical leadership serves as a beacon of hope, guiding the nation toward a future defined by integrity, fairness, and sustainable growth.
Prof. JS Mann, Director of the Centre of Accountability, Transparency, and Governance at National Law University, Delhi discussed his thoughts on the role of insightful leadership in strengthening governance and ethics in business. Also, he discussed the UNGC’s 10th Principle “Anti-Corruption”. He shared “It is not only about individually avoiding and mitigating the risks, pitfalls, and costs of corruption such as legal or financial, but above all seizing the opportunities and associated benefits of a robust culture of integrity that is fostered and implemented collectively by a committed group of like-minded stakeholders”.
Mr. Arya Dev, Assistant Manager, UN GCNI introduced the Anti-Corruption Collective Action ( AC CA) playbook and shared the six-step process to combat corruption. He also emphasized the key roles of business actors in collective action.
Ms. Jyoti Shekar, Director, Jus Diligens, talked about the principles of corporate governance and ethical practices. She emphasized how corporate governance and ethical leadership serve as the cornerstone of sustainable business practices, ensuring accountability, transparency, and integrity within organizations. At the heart of this ethos lies the commitment to combat corruption through proactive measures, such as the Anti-Corruption Collective Action Strategy
The trainers “Ms. Supriya Madan, Senior Manager, Forensic and Financial Crime, Deloitte USI, and Mr. Dinesh Agrawal, Principal Consultant with Consocia Advisory, experts in their respective fields”, provided valuable insights into the practical application of the AC CA Playbook. The Siemens Integrity Initiative supported the workshop, which emphasized diagnosing local corruption landscapes, engaging stakeholders, and implementing collective action methodologies. They shared the six steps suggested in UNGC’s AC CA Playbook, to mitigate corruption challenges with collective action across the sectors.
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Warm Regards,
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry