Hifab invites important actors in the development co-operation sector to an anti-corruption seminar, want to highlight its importance.
– There is since long a continuous discussion about anti-corruption but it is easy that it gets lost in all other important matters for companies. We think the time is right to highlight its importance again. If we want to see real change then as many actors as possible need to work together to fight it, Hifab’s Sustainability Director David Lindgren explains.
David Lindgren, Hifab’s Sustainability Director, took the initiative to the anti-corruption seminar together with Kåre Sundin, Market Area Manager for Hifab’s International operations.
– By inviting to this seminar we hope we can create a platform where some of the most important actors in Swedish development co-operation will participate, Hifab’s International Director Kåre Sundin clarifies.
The seminar was attended by several actors in order to present several perspectives to the problem. The Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency Sida and UN Global Compact presented their guidelines. Among participating consultancy companies was Sweco, Niras, FCG Sweden and WSP represented.
– The seminar was started with a global corruption perspective by an expert from CredAbility, and we could conclude that improvements are made but only slowly. We take small steps forward but the problems surrounding corruption remains, says David Lindgren.
During the seminar different anti-corruption guidelines were presented, experiences were shared and the participants provided examples from their own organisations. Kåre Sundin, who has been working some 20 years with Hifab’s international operations, explained about Hifab’s anti-corruption work.
– Our anti-corruption work covers the full project cycle, from procurement to project implementation. Hifab has an Integrity and Compliance Program that starts with the company’s Code of Conduct and includes routines to identify and mitigate risks. The program makes sure that we are following our policies and routines. I am proud of how far we have come, but it takes a lot of hard work.
During the meeting several participants shared project examples in which they have experienced corruption.
– To listen to others how they act when they met corruption and how they dealt with the situation is very valuable. Good examples give others understanding and knowledge about which type of situations one should look out for and how to act. By sharing knowledge and experience we make it easier for others to foresee similar situations, says David Lindgren.
– The was a broad agreement from the participants that we should continue to meet. We want to have a dialogue with the main clients in the sector so they encourage consultancy companies that are working pro-actively with anti-corruption. We would also like to agree which guidelines to follow from the clients’ perspective. We want to establish clear rules to make sure that these questions are dealt with seriously. Anti-corruption should be part of the entire chain; from clients to the projects, and back to clients again. Then we should see major improvements and results regarding corruption in the development co-operation business, Kåre Sundin concludes.
If you are interested in participating in the next meeting, please contact Hifab’s Market Area Manager International Kåre Sundin. Contact details below.