Strengthening Integrity in Tunisia's Private Sector

The Global Compact Network Tunisia (GCNT) has launched an initiative to strengthen the culture of integrity in the country's private sector. 

According to the 2020 ICTEQ annual survey on the business climate and competitiveness of companies in Tunisia (21st annual survey on the business climate and competitiveness of companies), 69% of business leaders interviewed consider corruption as a major constraint hindering the development of their business, and 63% of them believe that the phenomenon is increasing from one year to the next.

The initiative titled, "Creation of a core of the private sector to strengthen the culture of integrity," therefore aims to promote transparency, good governance, and integrity among Tunisian businesses, which will subsequently improve business development and the economic development. This initiative supports the 10th principle of the UN Global Compact, "Act against corruption in all its forms," as well as the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Working with the Global Compact Tunisia (GCNT), the project brings together five representative organizations from the private sector, including the Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts (UTICA), the Order of Chartered Accountants of Tunisia (OECT), the Association of Brokerage Intermediaries (AIB), and the Tunisian Association of Venture Capital Investors (ATIC).

Through a series of workshops, the project aims to raise awareness about the importance of economic integrity, provide training on fundamental concepts and tools, and support the development of a strategic vision and action plan to promote integrity in the private sector.

Speaking on the initiative, Executive Director, Global Compact Network Tunisia, Yassine Majdoub, noted "The private sector has a critical role in promoting integrity and transparency in Tunisia. We are committed to supporting this initiative and working together to build a business environment that values ethical practices and good governance."

Thus far, 6 sessions have taken place:

Workshop 1: Commitment of the UN Global Compact Tunisia

Held in January 2023, this workshop launched the 'Fight against Corruption and Strengthening Integrity (LuCCRI)' project by GIZ Tunisia. The initiative aims to establish a core group promoting integrity and transparency in Tunisia's private sector. Key activities included introducing five core structures and clarifying economic integrity concepts, strategic vision, and action plans.

Workshop 2: Reflection on Strategic Vision and Action Plan

This workshop focused on developing a strategic vision and action plan to enhance economic integrity in Tunisia's private sector. Stakeholders from various sectors discussed economic integrity's impact on governance and identified challenges. The event concluded with recommendations and priority strategic axes for implementation.

Workshop 3: Awareness and Information on Integrity

Conducted in Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax between October and November 2023, this workshop aimed to raise awareness about economic integrity and the private sector's role in promoting it. Participants were informed about fundamental concepts and tools for fostering integrity and gathered specific needs from professional organizations involved in the project.

Workshop 4: Introductory Training on Economic Integrity Fundamentals

Held on November 28-29, 2023, this workshop introduced participants to basic economic integrity concepts, best practices, and tools to enhance integrity within companies. It also covered diagnostic and strategic planning tools for improving corporate integrity.

Workshop 5: Advanced Training on Structuring an Integrity Approach

From December 13-15, 2023, this advanced workshop focused on implementing economic integrity systems in companies. Participants learned methodological tools such as corruption risk mapping and the ISO 37001 anti-corruption management standard, tailored to their companies' contexts.

Session 6: Signing of the Declaration of Common Intentions

On May 27, 2024, the final session marked the official launch of the Integrity Core in Tunisia. Five economic entities, including the Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts (UTICA) and the Order of Chartered Accountants of Tunisia (OECT), signed a Declaration of Common Intentions to fight corruption in the private sector. This session underscored the core's mission to develop and support an inclusive approach for enhancing economic integrity in Tunisia.