Integrity in the Private Sector to be Addressed at the Regional Level in Bahrain in March

Arab Region - Tuesday, March 16, 2010

With more global attention being directed to the importance of strengthening integrity in the private sector as a foundation of sustainable development, Arab stakeholders in the region are becoming more interested in this subject. The need to support its introduction to the ongoing anti-corruption dialogue in the region has thus become necessary, especially given the fact that despite the various significant economic reforms achieved, the region continues to face serious challenges that weaken their competitiveness and ability to achieve productive integration in global markets. This is besides increasing evidence of the slowing down of human development in many Arab countries. With a view to supporting the exploration of ways to strengthen integrity in the private sector in Arab countries, the United Nations Development Prgoramme (UNDP) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are preparing to organize a regional workshop in Manama (Bahrain) on 16-17 March 2010. The workshop will bring together representatives from the private and public sector from Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon and Egypt, as well as experts representing specialized regional and international actors.The workshop is hosted by the MENA Investment Centre under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Essa AL KHALIFA, the Chief Executive of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB). Public and private sector experts will have an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences on the important challenges that face the private sector, and to explore solutions in light of international anti corruption standards, instruments and best practices. The Arab Anti-Corruption & Integrity Network (ACINET) will be represented in the workshop in the person of its Chair, H.E. Dr Abd SHAKHANBEH, Jordan's Anti-Corruption Commissioner. The workshop is expected to contribute to regional cooperation and knowledge sharing on integrity in the private sector, a key element in regional and global efforts towards a strong, fair and clean economy.