News Archive
24-hour videoconference final recommendations now available
News reported on 03/26/07 11:31 AM
After twelve videoconference sessions, the students of the 24-hour videoconference marathon had submitted more than 130 recommendations for fighting corruption. These were collected and evaluated, and the items with the most consensus were presented to the policymakers and leaders present at Egmont Palace. In this way, the promise of feedback was completed, from the future leaders of tomorrow to those of today.
The five top recommendations were:
- Media & Technology - There was a strong recognition of the necessity for the increased involvement and freedom of the media, as well as access to media channels and outlets. However, students noted that attention needs to be paid to the balance between increased media freedom and the safety of journalists and reporters.
- Expansion of Codes of Conduct - Students talked a lot about Codes of Conduct. They noted that Codes of Conduct are becoming more and more commonplace within the private sector, but that there is a definitive value for Codes of Conduct within the public and civil society sectors as well--for example, something as simple as a declaration of transparency posted on the walls of government agencies.
- Labeling - This was another common recommendation arising from students worldwide. Of note was the suggestion of creating a "Clean Business" and/or "Clean Organisation" label to be affixed to companies and institutions much like the "Fair Trade" or "organic ingredients" labels. Such a label can become an important value-added for companies in terms of competitiveness and enhanced brand value and reputation.
- National Anti-Corruption Strategies/Plans - There was a call for the establishment of national independent agencies, including representatives of all sectors, with the aim of integrating and facilitating governance and anti-corruption policies. For example, the strategy plans created by these agencies should include clauses on how local and foreign companies should act at home and abroad.
- Curriculum Development - Finally, there was a call for increased inclusion of business ethics, anti-corruption, and governance topics to be included in school curricula, both at the secondary and collegiate levels. This was recognized as one of the single best ways to educate and raise awareness about anti-corruption and ethical behavior from a very young age.
At the Conference
