The Business Integrity Group (BIG) was established in 2021 by the OECD Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN). The BIG aims to unite representatives from companies, business associations, collective action initiatives, and public institutions within ACN member countries. The group convenes annually, providing a platform for participants to share experiences, learn from peers, and collaborate with members of the OECD, the EU, and other regions to advance ethical business conduct.
The 2024 BIG meeting holds special importance as the first in-person gathering since 2016. In preparation for this event, ACN has selected the topics based on insights from a stakeholder survey. The central theme of the meeting will be "The Government's Role in Promoting and Ensuring Business Integrity", with a focus on the roles of various state institutions and their interactions with businesses, collective actions, and other stakeholders on issues of business integrity. Discussions will explore the full spectrum of efforts to advance business integrity, including raising awareness, offering strategic guidance, creating incentives, and implementing regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. The meeting will emphasise the critical interplay between government bodies and the private sector in shaping a transparent and accountable business environment.
The meeting will feature an interactive format, designed to facilitate discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and the exchange of diverse perspectives among participants. Participants will include representatives from four key stakeholder groups across all ACN countries. To ensure a broad and impactful dialogue, we will also welcome stakeholders and partners from other international organisations, institutions addressing cross-cutting business integrity issues, and business integrity champions from other regions through WGB outreach initiatives. Additionally, OECD experts from various departments will provide their expertise, enriching the discussions with valuable insights.
This diverse and experienced group of participants will bring a wealth of knowledge and perspectives, significantly advancing our collective efforts to enhance business integrity both regionally and globally. The collaborative format will encourage the sharing of innovative solutions, which can be tailored and implemented in different contexts. Breakout sessions will delve into specific issues in detail, helping ACN members determine applicability of different solutions to their unique country needs.
The meeting is scheduled for 25-26 November 2024 at the OECD in Paris, with an option to join the main sessions (not the breakout sessions and networking activities) virtually. The meeting will be conducted in English, with simultaneous Russian translation available during main sessions. To participate in-person, please contact Ms. Oleksandra Onysko or Ms. Paloma Cupello. For online participation, please register here.
