As Danish companies are players internationally they meet challenges regarding corruption all over the world. Corruption has the potential to undermine people’s trust in political and economic systems, institutions and leaders. It might discourage investments and distort international competitive conditions. It can cause negative impacts on human rights, cost people their freedom, health, money - and sometimes their lives. The concrete dilemma may be the following:
If a company operates in a country where it is common practice to make payments to public officials, and you just said no, but are advised by the official that it will lead to a delay of 2 weeks, which will have serious consequences for your company, what do you then do?
Why is the anti-corruption work so important?The importance of the global business community and trade for Danish business and for Danish companies – and why anti-corruption is important.
Can international guidelines be helpful? Presentation of the Danish Contact Point to the OECD.
OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises includes a chapter on anti-corruption. One of the fundamental principles of the guidelines is an obligation to risk-based due diligence in order to help companies to implement anti-corruption practices. The Danish Contact Point to the OECD deals with cases of whether Danish companies, public authorities etc. act in compliance with the principles set up by the OECD Guidelines, including anti-corruption and has an obligation raise awareness about the OECD guidelines
[1]. The special system of mediation, complaints and due diligence will be presented by chairman of the Danish National Contact point for OECD Professor Linda Nielsen.
How can enterprises play a role in combating corruption – examples of good practiseRepresentatives from important Danish sectors as pharma and shipping will share their experiences on anti-corruption and share their views on who to address: Management, CSR specialists, employees in general. We will learn more about what are the tools in their toolbox and what about incentives and organization culture? Presentations will be made by Cecilia Müller Torbrand, Program Director, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) and Jesper Lund Bredesen, HQ-PARC Chair, Senior Director Lundbeck.
Which are the challenges and ways forward to reduce corruption?A panel composed by business representatives will discuss challenges and ways to move forward. How can decision-making include anti-corruption focus and practice?
Session Rapporteur:
Prof. Linda Nielsen [1] More information about the Danish National Contact Point to the OECD www.businessconduct.dk
