Building Integrity through Collective Action in Bolivia

The United Nations Global Compact Country Network Bolivia, through its Transformational Governance Working Group and with the support of the Embassy of Sweden in Bolivia, led the country's first private-sector collective action initiative aimed at strengthening business ethics and promoting a culture of integrity nationwide through the development of the Business Code of Conduct and Ethics.

This Code emerged from a collaborative and multisectoral process carried out by a committee of legal and compliance experts from law firms, as well as local and multinational companies across diverse sectors—including banking, mining, and the automotive industry—together with business associations. Its development was the result of multiple rounds of dialogue, technical debate, and consensus-building, focused on translating ethics, integrity, and social responsibility into practical and actionable principles for organizations operating in Bolivia.

A Practical Guide to Corporate Integrity

Conceived as an accessible and adaptable tool, the Code establishes clear standards of conduct for all individuals who work for or collaborate with an organization, regardless of their hierarchical level. Its purpose is to foster an organizational culture grounded in integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect, while safeguarding institutional reputation and strengthening trust with clients, suppliers, shareholders, and other key stakeholders.

Scope and Transformative Impact

The Code was designed as a common reference framework for companies of different sizes and sectors, with a particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling progressive adoption and integration into internal policies, compliance manuals, and training programs.

The practical approach of this initiative facilitates the identification of ethical risks, strengthens accountability mechanisms, and promotes responsible decision-making at all organizational levels. In this context, the Code was formally presented by the United Nations Global Compact Country Network Bolivia, in coordination with the Embassy of Sweden, to the National Government through the Vice Ministry of Transparency, reaffirming its alignment with national priorities on integrity and the fight against corruption.

One of the Code's most significant contributions is the inclusion of concrete guidelines for corruption prevention, as well as periodic training programs on integrity and regulatory compliance, contributing to the elevation of ethical standards within the Bolivian business sector. Furthermore, the establishment of whistleblowing channels and mechanisms for whistleblower protection reinforces internal transparency and empowers employees and collaborators to report, in good faith, any misconduct. This approach strengthens institutional trust and promotes an organizational culture based on integrity, shared responsibility, and a firm commitment to the public interest.