Integrity in EBRD Funded Projects Training Video (Arabic Subtitles)

Summary

This training session from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) covers the institution's integrity and compliance standards for clients and consultants involved in EBRD-funded projects. It outlines key principles such as honesty, transparency, and avoiding prohibited practices like fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest. The session explains the process for reporting misconduct and the EBRD's enforcement procedures, including potential sanctions like debarment. Participants are encouraged to uphold these standards to protect the reputation and effectiveness of the bank's funding, ensuring fair and transparent operations across all projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Integrity is foundational to the EBRD's work, encompassing honesty, fairness, and transparency in all actions and decisions.
• 😀 EBRD’s primary mission is to safeguard taxpayer and donor funds, maintaining public trust by upholding integrity in all projects.
• 😀 The EBRD's definition of integrity includes a commitment to fighting corruption, fraud, and ensuring transparency at all levels.
• 😀 The EBRD expects all partners and consultants to avoid prohibited practices such as fraud, collusion, and corruption, and to act with transparency.
• 😀 When the EBRD identifies misconduct, it takes concrete actions to protect its funds and reputation, including investigating and sanctioning wrongdoing.
• 😀 EBRD sanctions include debarment, which prevents individuals or companies from participating in future EBRD projects and impacts their reputation across global institutions.
• 😀 Reporting suspected misconduct, even without certainty, is a contractual obligation and helps protect the EBRD’s resources and reputation.
• 😀 Failure to report wrongdoing may constitute a breach of obligations and could result in sanctions or harm to the involved party’s reputation.
• 😀 Conflict of interest situations, both real and perceived, must be disclosed and managed transparently to maintain trust in the EBRD’s processes.
• 😀 The EBRD’s enforcement policy outlines how misconduct is investigated, with potential sanctions like debarment or reprimands based on the severity of the offense.
• 😀 If misconduct is identified, early self-reporting can lead to reduced sanctions, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in EBRD projects.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this EBRD training session?

The purpose of the session is to help participants understand the EBRD's approach to integrity and compliance, the policies and procedures the bank applies, and the role individuals play in ensuring the EBRD can achieve its mission by reporting misconduct and other issues.

What does the EBRD mean by 'integrity'?

Integrity for the EBRD refers to acting based on clear and consistent moral principles. It is reflected in conduct such as not engaging in bribery or corruption, treating others fairly, and ensuring actions are rooted in honesty and fairness.

Why is integrity important to the EBRD?

Integrity is vital because the EBRD is a public institution funded by taxpayer money and donor funds. Maintaining integrity helps protect public resources, the bank’s reputation, and its ability to achieve its mission of supporting market economies and fighting corruption.

What are some examples of prohibited practices in EBRD-funded projects?

Examples of prohibited practices include fraud (misrepresentation to gain financial benefits), collusion (improper agreements between parties), corruption (bribes to influence actions), theft, coercion, and obstruction of investigations.

How does the EBRD handle investigations of prohibited practices?

The EBRD handles investigations through the Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO), which investigates allegations and, if necessary, recommends sanctions. However, OCCO cannot compel parties to provide information. The enforcement commissioner makes the final decision on sanctions after reviewing the investigation.

What are the possible sanctions the EBRD can impose for violations?

Sanctions can range from a letter of reprimand for minor violations to debarment for serious violations. Debarment prevents a company or individual from participating in EBRD-funded projects and may lead to cross-debarment from other international financial institutions.

What does 'debarment' mean for an entity or individual?

Debarment means that an individual or company is prohibited from participating in any future EBRD projects, including tenders and other financing activities. The names of debarred entities are published on the EBRD's website and may also be cross-debarred by other major international financial institutions.

What should you do if you suspect wrongdoing in an EBRD project?

If you suspect wrongdoing, you should report it to the EBRD, even if you are not fully certain about the facts. Reports can be made anonymously via the EBRD website or to a local office. Reporting in good faith is encouraged, as it helps protect public funds and maintain transparency.

What is the EBRD's stance on conflicts of interest?

The EBRD takes conflicts of interest seriously, as they can influence impartial decision-making. Both real and perceived conflicts of interest must be disclosed. If disclosed and managed properly, conflicts can be manageable, but failure to disclose may lead to sanctions.

How can a conflict of interest be managed according to the EBRD?

Conflicts of interest can be managed by disclosing the situation to the relevant parties and ensuring that there is a clear rationale for any decisions made. Transparency is key, and if a conflict is not disclosed, it may result in a review and potential sanctions.