The Centre for Transparency and Accountability in Governance (CTAG), National Law University Delhi (NLUD), the UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) jointly organised the Global Symposium on Combating Corruption and Promoting Good Governance: Challenges & Solutions on 19-20 December 2024, at National Law University Delhi in collaboration with PSI India and Shikar Organisation.
The Symposium started with a Plenary Session featuring eminent personalities: Shri SY Qureshi, Former Chief Election Commissioner, India, Dr. Sairam Bhat, Professor, NLSIU Bengaluru, Shri Ashok Kumar Pavadia, Founder Director, Council of Research on Policy and Governance, GoI, Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General PHDCCI, Shri Mukesh Kumar Sharma, Executive Director, PSI India and Dr. Somnath Singh, Deputy Director, UN GCNI. UN GCNI also launched the report/publication titled “The Evaluation of Health Systems in India: Decoding the Impact on Health Governance, Transparency and Infrastructure”, offering critical insights into health governance challenges and solutions.
Day 1 Theme – Integrity and Accountability: Paving the Path to Value-Based Governance Across Sectors The discussions on the first day emphasised fostering integrity and accountability in governance. Key technical sessions included:
- Integrity and Governance in India: Highlighting the role of education and advocacy in promoting integrity.
- Ethical Practices in Regulated Industries: Exploring compliance in healthcare, MSMEs, and pharmaceuticals.
- Anti-Corruption Frameworks: Addressing anti-bribery laws, black money control, and public-private sector accountability.
Day 2 Theme – Elevating Ethical Standards: A Multisectoral Approach to Governance and Accountability The second day focused on advancing ethical standards and collaborative approaches to governance. Key technical sessions included:
- E-Governance and Right to Services: Leveraging digital solutions to enhance transparency and reduce corruption.
- Transparency and Whistleblower Protection: Examining the ethical dimensions of combating corruption.
- Collective Action for Integrity: Highlighting the contributions of corporations, governments, and international organisations in combating corruption.
The Global Symposium featured panellists from across the world and time zones: Arun Kumar (Economist, Former Professor, JNU), Ruchi Sogarwal (TAKEDA), K. Madan Gopal (National Health System Resource Centre (NHSRC)), Dharam Jain (Former Special Director, CBI), Aman Hingorani (Senior Advocate), Hitesh Sahni (Program Director, PSI India), Shikha Nehru Sharma (Nutriwel Health), Maj. Gen. Anil Verma (Retd.) (Head, ADR) and international experts such as Fabian Espejo (UN Global Compact, New York), Hartmut Aden (Berlin School of Economics and Law) and Li Bin (Law School, Beijing Normal University). The event also witnessed paper presentations of presenters from various backgrounds and institutions on strengthening good governance practices, promoting transparency, ethics, and integrity in businesses, and fostering a culture of responsible business conduct that benefits all stakeholders in combating corruption and good governance.
The Symposium concluded with the proclamation of Declaration by Dr. Jeet Singh Mann, Director, CTAG and Dr. Somnath Singh, Deputy Director, UN GCNI, outlining actionable strategies to promote integrity, combat corruption, and strengthen governance frameworks in education, healthcare and business sectors.
Together, we continue to forge a stronger and more active alliance for promoting integrity and combating corruption in governance.