Financial Crime Awareness Programs: A Boost for Bhutan’s Integrity Efforts
Bhutan has taken a significant step towards strengthening its anti-corruption stance by implementing various initiatives aimed at promoting financial crime awareness among its citizens.
National Integrity and Anti-Corruption Strategy (NIACS) 2019-2023
The NIACS serves as a comprehensive operational framework for agencies tasked with tackling corruption. The strategy outlines the government’s commitment to preventing and combating corruption, as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in public life.
Organizational Integrity Plan (OIP)
The OIP is a key tool designed to ensure integrity becomes an integral part of each agency’s core mission. Regular reviews are conducted to guarantee its effective implementation, with annual evaluations assessing the incorporation of OIP into organizational plans and evaluating the implementation status of each activity against predetermined criteria and Means of Verification.
Business Integrity Initiative Bhutan (BIIB)
The BIIB is a program aimed at promoting ethical business practices in the country. By providing a level playing field, equal opportunities, and addressing private sector distrust, BIIB seeks to foster clean, honest, and trustworthy business transactions that benefit companies, government, and the nation as a whole.
CSO and Media Engagement Programme
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has developed a programme aimed at promoting collaboration with civil society organizations in devising effective approaches to controlling corruption. The ACC has also partnered with various institutions, including:
- Department of Local Government
- Royal Institute of Management
- Bhutan Transparency Initiative
to introduce social accountability tools that encourage constructive citizen engagement and participation in development activities.
Significance of the Efforts
The efforts aimed at enhancing financial crime awareness and promoting integrity in Bhutan are critical for sustaining economic growth and development. By promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical practices, the country can build trust among its citizens, foster international cooperation, and create a more prosperous society.
Key Benefits:
- Promotes ethical business practices
- Encourages constructive citizen engagement and participation in development activities
- Fosters transparency and accountability in public life
- Strengthens anti-corruption efforts
- Enhances financial crime awareness among citizens