Ethos Institute and UN Global Compact Launch "Clean Games" Anti-Corruption Project

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) São Paulo/New York - 2 May 2011 - The Ethos Institute of Business and Social Responsibility and the United Nations Global Compact have launched a US$ 3.1 million, five-year anti-corruption project "Clean Games Inside and Outside of the Stadium" (Jogos Limpos) to monitor public spending and to facilitate reporting of potential irregularities linked to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Supported by the Siemens Integrity Initiative, "Clean Games" will cover all twelve host cities of the FIFA World Cup, including Rio de Janeiro, in an effort to increase transparency, integrity and social control over the infrastructure investments to be made in the run-up to the world’s two largest sporting events.   More specifically, the project will launch four sectoral anti-corruption agreements with companies from the construction, energy, transportation and health equipment sectors that carry out projects to modernize and expand airports, stadiums, hospitals, transportation systems and other types of public infrastructure.   In addition, “Clean Games” will initiate a transparency pact with governors, mayors and all candidates running for public office in the host cities, seeking public commitments to accountability and transparency in public spending.   Further project funds will be used to develop and share tools to track and monitor recruitment and progress of public works. A project website will guide and help citizens and civil society organizations to exert more effective social control over public spending and monitor the conduct of companies by providing further details about individual projects and by offering a possible channel for complaints.   The initiative will be coordinated by a newly formed National Committee, four national thematic committees and 12 local committees, including representatives of civil society organizations, trade associations and government bodies.   "With their voluntary commitment to prevent and combat fraud, businesses and governments take a clear stand against corruption," said Jorge Abrahão, President of the Ethos Institute and member of the National Committee.   “As the world looks forward to the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics in Brazil, ‘Clean Games’ is a welcome collective effort to take a stand against corruption,” said Georg Kell, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. “We hope this initiative will serve as a blueprint to effectively address the inherent risks of large-scale infrastructure spending in the context of global sporting events.”   About the Ethos Institute   The Ethos Institute for Business and Social Responsibility is a civil society organization that brings together more than 1,400 companies of all sizes and sectors. Ethos’ mission is to mobilize, encourage and help companies manage their business in a socially responsible manner, making them partners in building a sustainable and just society. Ethos’ partners share a joint mission to foster sustainable and socially responsible, ethical standards and transparent relationship with employees, customers, suppliers, community, shareholders, the public and the environment. Conceived by business leaders, the Ethos Institute is a center for knowledge, exchange of experiences and tool development that can help companies analyze their management practices and deepen their commitment to corporate responsibility. More information: www.ethos.org.br     About the UN Global Compact   Launched in 2000, the United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies around the world to align their strategies and operations with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of broader UN goals. Through the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible corporate policies and practices, business can help ensure that markets advance in ways that benefit economies and societies everywhere. With more than 6,000 corporate signatories in over 135 countries, it is the world’s largest corporate responsibility initiative. More information: www.unglobalcompact.org   For more information about the Siemens Integrity Initiative, visit:
www.siemens.com/sustainability/en/core-topics/collective-action/integrity-initiative/index.php      Media Contacts   Ethos Institute Cristina Spera Phone: +55 11 3897.2444 / (55 11) 8895-5740 cspera@ethos.org.br   Pedro Malavolta Phone: +55 11 3397-2425 pmalavolta@ethos.org.br   UN Global Compact Matthias Stausberg Phone: +1 917 367-3423 stausberg@un.org   UNGC13551