With the theme, ‘Corruption: An impediment to the Sustainable Development Goals’ the International Anti-Corruption Day 2019 was observed in the capital today.
The day called out for enhanced collaboration of key players and stakeholders. It also focused on creating awareness to the business community to collectively fight against corruption towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the 16th International Anti-Corruption Day, the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) Chairperson Kinley Yangzom highlighted the importance of the business sector as the key player in the development of the country’s economy.
She said as Bhutan advances towards middle-income status by 2023, the business sector will play an increasingly significant role in complementing the socio-economic development. She added fraud and corruption in the business sector can be an impediment to national development.
Understanding the role of the business sector in preventing corruption, Yarkey Group Private Limited signed the Corporate Integrity Pledge, a pledge against corruption.
With the signing today, Yarkey Group Private Limited became the first private company to sign the Corporate Integrity Pledge committing to operate according to high standards of corporate integrity, thereby ensuring all employees to carry out their duties responsibly.
Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering also attended the event. Speaking to the gathering he said, “On the government’s part, we will not tolerate corruption, corruption of any proportion at any level. Corruption takes place when one is driven by selfish reasons. We have been clear from day one that is always the nation first.”
The International Anti-Corruption Day is observed across the world on 9th December every year as designated by the UN General Assembly in October 2003. Bhutan joined the international community in observing the International Anti-Corruption Day in 2004 to raise public awareness on corruption and what people can do to fight it.
Passang Dorji
