Finland Takes Steps to Combat Corruption and Promote Sustainable Finance
A National Anti-Corruption Strategy for a Transparent Society
Helsinki, Finland - In a significant move towards promoting sustainable finance and combating corruption, the Government of Finland has adopted its first national anti-corruption strategy in May 2021. This strategy aims to build a society where corruption cannot take hold or go unnoticed.
Aligning with International Standards
The short-term objective of the strategy is to reinforce the prevention and combating of corruption, while the long-term vision is to create a society where transparency and accountability are the norm. The strategy aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda) and recommendations from international organizations such as:
- OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
- Council of Europe: A human rights organization that aims to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Europe
- European Union: A political and economic union of 27 European countries
Addressing Structural Corruption
Studies have shown that structural corruption is present in Finland, making it more challenging to detect than open street-level corruption. The high-risk sectors include:
Action Plan for 2021-2023
To achieve the objectives outlined in the Anti-Corruption Strategy, the government has developed an Action Plan for 2021-2023, which includes measures such as:
- Improving cooperation between authorities: Enhancing collaboration and information sharing among different government agencies
- Raising awareness about corruption: Educating citizens, businesses, and organizations about the risks of corruption and its consequences
- Exposing cases of corruption: Encouraging whistleblowers to come forward and exposing corrupt practices through investigative journalism and other means
The Action Plan contains 77 scheduled measures, focusing on areas like:
Commitment to Combating Corruption
The government emphasizes that combating corruption requires a joint effort from several authorities, businesses, and organizations. The draft strategy is available for review at the Institutional Repository for the Government, while the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the Action Plan can be accessed through the publication archive.
By taking these steps towards promoting sustainable finance and combating corruption, Finland demonstrates its commitment to creating a transparent and accountable society that aligns with international standards and best practices.