Center for International Private Enterprise

Is raising awareness about a waste of money?

In their new How-to Guide to Anti-Corruption Messaging, Dr. Caryn Peiffer and Nic Cheeseman investigate this question.

Their findings might prompt your organization to make unexpected changes:

A How-To Guide to Anti-Corruption Messaging - Center for International Private Enterprise Abstract Corruption is often argued to be one of the biggest threats to both development and democracy around the world. This helps to explain why anti-corruption campaigns have been a constant feature of both foreign aid programming and civil society activity over the last 30 years. These anti-corr...

Join CIPE on July 24 for “Shaping the Future of Urban Living: Global Perspectives on Smart Cities and Democratic Governance”.

This virtual event will bring together a panel of CIPE partners to discuss the challenges faced while advancing the development of ethical and democratic smart cities.

Featuring Bridgette Ndlovu, Partnerships and Engagements Officer at Paradigm Initiative, Bárbara Simão, Head of Research for Privacy and Surveillance at InternetLab, Amalia Peralta, Coordinator for State and Government Programs at CIPPEC, and moderator Adam Sachs, Program Manager at CIPE’s Center for Digital Economy and Governance.

Register here: https://cipe.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kiQdpaoQRBCXtHsUxBVgxQ #/registration

We surveyed 443 Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to evaluate the impact of Japan's new Economic Security Promotion Act (ESPA). For Japanese SMEs:

► Foreign countries, particularly China, are the primary cause for economic security concerns and business risk.

► The overwhelming majority lack the resources and capacity to develop and implement supply chain resiliency measures, and have not developed a strategic plan to address risk.

► Greater government outreach and new support programs are needed to strengthen private sector and particularly SME compliance with ESPA mandates.

Read more about it in our report:
https://www.cipe.org/resources/economic-security-survey-of-japanese-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises/

Join CIPE and International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC)'s Energy, Growth, and Security program on July 24th for ‘Boosting US Trade and Investments in Central Asia”.

CIPE Center for Accountable Investment Director Eric Hontz joins experts to discuss geoeconomic potential in the region and how policymakers can capitalize on it.

Virtual Registration: https://cipe.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZxU-ru3HSLa26rxQLqwVMA #/registration

In-person Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfSjmttoN3nQmhVEy5zgrnpE9MLoc8WSEzqqOZTe3wdDK1bA/viewform

By examining 's ports, a groundbreaking new study uncovers the direct & hidden costs of maritime .

Its expert authors Martin Benderson, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network Associate Director for Collective Action and Partnerships, and Thomas Westergaard-Kabelmann, owner of QBIS Consulting, join CIPE Program Director for Anti-Corruption and Compliance Ekaterina Lysova on the Democracy that Delivers podcast to discuss their approach & results.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3LnbNWj

CIPE strongly denounces the vicious attack on former US President Trump and citizens Saturday. Violence has no place in the democratic process.

Read statements by the US Chamber of Commerce, of which CIPE is an affiliate, and the National Endowment for Democracy, of which CIPE is a core institute:

► https://www.uschamber.com/improving-government/u-s-chamber-of-commerce-reaction-to-shooting-at-trump-rally

► https://www.ned.org/ned-statement-attack-against-former-president-trump/

NED Statement on Attack Against Former President Trump - NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY NED condemns the attack on former President Donald Trump and mourns the loss of life at a campaign rally.

| Over 38% of Ukrainian companies are actively engaging in anti-corruption efforts within their industry or region, according to a survey by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (ІЕД / IER), supported by the Center for International Private Enterprise. Approximately 20% propose specific actions to authorities, 16% form advocacy coalitions, and 11.8% collaborate with business associations on joint initiatives.

Key insights from the survey include:
🔹52.9% have established a code of ethics.
🔹37.2% adhere to anti-corruption policies.
🔹35% have compliance programs.
🔹69.8% have channels for reporting violations.

However, 30.7% of companies do not engage in anti-corruption efforts, citing skepticism about change (39.2%) and the belief that it's a government responsibility (25%). Some respondents (6.7%) believe business associations should lead, while others (5.0%) view anti-corruption NGOs as more suitable.

Involving 374 SMEs across various sectors and regions, the survey aimed to assess the role of SMEs in Ukraine's economic recovery and their challenges, including public procurement and integrity standards. This initiative follows recommendations from the RISE Coalition's Private Partnership working group, facilitated by CIPE, in collaboration with economic think tanks and private sector associations. Both and are members of RISE Ukraine - Coalition for Reconstruction.

More information (in Ukrainian): https://tinyurl.com/5ets2fd5

CIPE Ukraine

| Key challenges for Ukrainian SMEs, including 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 (51.9%), 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 (46.5%), and 𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 (43%), were identified in a recent survey by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (ІЕД / IER), supported by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). These findings were presented at the "SME Development Strategy - Economic Recovery of Ukraine" conference on July 1 at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry / Торгово-промислова палата України / Ukrainian CCI.

Since April, the impact of security concerns has nearly doubled, with 51.9% of respondents now citing it as a major issue, up from 28.1%. Yevhen Anhel, Senior Research Fellow at IER, emphasized the increasing urgency due to intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

The survey also highlights significant uncertainty, with 26.5% of SMEs unable to forecast their plans for the next two years, and 11.5% unable to respond—figures showing a slight improvement from the previous survey (34% and 11% respectively).

Other key insights include:
🔹32.1% reported a decline in demand.
🔹Urgency regarding electricity supply issues has quadrupled since April.
🔹7.5% identified corruption as a growth impediment.
🔹82.6% prefer to keep their businesses in Ukraine rather than relocate abroad.

The study, "Ukraine: Business Leadership in Post-War Reconstruction," conducted by , and supported by , in April and June 2024, included two surveys of SMEs based on recommendations from the RISE Coalition's Private Partnership working group. Both IER and CIPE are members of the RISE Ukraine - Coalition for Reconstruction.

CIPE Ukraine | ІЕД / IER | Українська Рада бізнесу

CIPE's Andrew Wilson and Barbara Langley are among the thought leaders at today's Future of Democracy Forum co-hosted by The Diplomatic Courier CEO Ana C. Rold and Community of Democracies Secretary General Thomas E Garrett.

Is democracy in decline or under attack? This question will be explored at the upcoming 2024 Future of Democracy Forum, co-hosted by The Diplomatic Courier and the Community of Democracies. The forum will be held on the eve of the NATO Leaders Summit in Washington and will aim to inform NATO principals and other stakeholders through a post-meeting communique.

Read more: https://worldin2050.diplomaticourier.com/event/future-of-democracy-forum/

“Economic security is vitally linked to both collective defense and democratic resilience, and key to shaping the political considerations behind tough agenda items at the July NATO Summit” writes CIPE Europe Program Director Jeff Lightfoot.

Read his insights as the allies gather in Washington to tackle some of the toughest issues of our time: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/economic-democratic-concerns-shape-nato-summit-agenda

CIPE Europe & Eurasia The Diplomatic Courier

Economic security, democratic resilience concerns shape NATO Summit agenda Jul 05, 2024 // As NATO prepares to convene, members are assessing ways to strengthen economic security as a means of bolstering collective defense and democratic resilience.

support for Ukraine’s defense illustrates how the politics around preserving democracy are further shaped by economic realities. As NATO prepares to convene, members are assessing ways to strengthen economic security to bolster collective defense and democratic resilience, writes Jeff Lightfoot. https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/economic-democratic-concerns-shape-nato-summit-agenda

About 64.5 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is younger than 25, which puts training and jobs near the top of the development agenda.

CIPE's Sahel team worked with local communities to develop tools for vulnerable youth, identifying challenges and integrating them with local opportunities.

Read more about their approach to fostering potential: https://www.cipe.org/blog/2024/06/24/unlocking-growth-the-power-of-youth-entrepreneurship/

| On June 27, we launched the B5+1 Subgroup on Women's Entrepreneurship under the Program. This initiative aims to empower women in Central Asia through regional economic integration and business leadership.

Over 50 participants discussed priorities such as innovation, digitalization, mentorship, and women's entrepreneurship in rural areas. The event marked a step towards broadening economic opportunities for women in the region.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to advocate for women's economic empowerment and regional cooperation.

➡️https://www.cipe.org/projects/b51-forum/



Center for International Private Enterprise

| On June 25, CIPE held a virtual networking event that brought together members and leaders of business associations from Europe, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East& North Africa (MENA), and Latin America & the Caribbean to explore sustainable revenue sources for enhancing economic opportunities.

CIPE MENA Deputy Director Stephen D. Rosenlund, led discussions on strategies to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem through resilience and financial sustainability for business associations and chambers of commerce. Participants exchanged ideas and best practices aimed at fostering sustainable business growth in challenging economic landscapes.

The highlight of the event was the interactive sessions where attendees explored practical approaches to strengthen revenue models and enhance organizational sustainability. Breakout sessions emphasized the importance of tailored strategies that align with local contexts while leveraging global best practices.

We extend our gratitude to all participants for their active contributions and commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment and leadership across regions.

The event was organized within the "Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem by Networking Regional Women’s Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations" (WE-Champs) project, funded by the U.S. Department of State - Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues.



Center for International Private Enterprise

Did you know Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) represent 90 percent of all businesses globally? MSMEs are integral to local job creation and empowering women.

On World MSME Day, CIPE would like to recognize the innovation and contributions our partners and businesses are making toward building resilient economies with inclusive growth.

On June 24, CIPE Program Director for Central Asia, Sobir Kurbanov, joined a U.S. Chamber of Commerce meeting with our partners American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan and the AmCham Kyrgyz Republic, who were in Washington for the SelectUSA Investment Summit. Led by Jennifer Miel, Vice President for Middle East, Turkey, and Central Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the meeting focused on strengthening US-Central Asia business connections. AmChams Central Asia, supported by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and USAID - US Agency for International Development, are key partners in representing regional and international companies. Recent reforms in Uzbekistan to improve the business environment have bolstered investment opportunities. The US Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger business ties through ongoing B2B and B2G engagements. will continue to support these efforts under the B5+1 process.

| Women's economic empowerment is crucial for global development. 's WE-Champs program, funded by the Department of State: Office of Global Women's Issues, is spearheading efforts in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.

Since 2022, WE-Champs has supported women's chambers and business associations, enhancing their advocacy, building networks, and providing mentorship and funding. This support has resulted in new strategic plans, digital upgrades, and stronger community engagement.

Discover how WE-Champs is driving meaningful change for women entrepreneurs in our latest blog: https://www.cipe.org/blog/2024/06/24/empowering-womens-economic-security-through-associations-excellence-a-look-at-we-champs-project-achievements/

“The CIPE initiative was impactful because they did not come to do something for us but to help us do something for ourselves.” – Mohamed Lemine Abeidy, Mayor of Dwerare Village

Learn more about how CIPE Africa worked with youth entrepreneurs to offer this community a path forward to solving food, water and transport problems facing their communities.

Unlocking Growth: The Power of Youth Entrepreneurship - Center for International Private Enterprise Youth entrepreneurs in recent CIPE training sessions in Mauritania generated 45 new business ideas, 32 of which secured funding from Mercy Corps and start-up assistance from CIPE. The sessions, held in three villages in late 2023, attracted 175 people under the age of 25, providing an example of the...

Last week CIPE attended Transparency International’s IACC International Anti-Corruption Conference in , Lithuania.

Representatives from our Anti-Corruption and Governance Center (ACGC), our CIPE Africa team, and our CIPE Europe & Eurasia (E&E) team engaged in vital discussions and sessions aimed at combating corruption globally. Here’s a recap of our productive week:

► Kicking off on the 18th, CIPE's Senior Anti-Corruption Consultant Cynthia Gabriel joined 6 other experts at the Plenary I panel to discuss countering kleptocrats and their enablers, highlighting strategies to strengthen anti-corruption efforts worldwide.

► On the 19th, CIPE hosted a workshop focused on the pivotal role of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in promoting integrity and combating corruption. Featuring E&E Business Integrity and Anti-Corruption Programs Director Ekaterina (Katya) Lysova, the session showcased successful strategies and collaborations in detecting fraud and fostering ethical practices, featuring insights from business leaders across Lithuania, Ukraine, and Nigeria.

This event is part of CIPE’s work to foster integrity among SMEs as an implementing partner of the U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Intl Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL)'s Global Initiative to Galvanize the Private Sector as Partners in Combating Corruption (GPS). Learn more about GPS here: https://acgc.cipe.org/gps/

► Lola Adekanye, who leads CIPE’s Business Integrity & Anti-Corruption Programs in Africa, contributed her expertise during two impactful panels on the 20th. She discussed the media's anti-corruption potential in Africa and business integrity solutions for public procurement.

► Closing out the conference, ACGC Deputy Director Michele Crymes joined experts to discuss innovative tools like the U.S. Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) aimed at countering foreign bribery, underscoring CIPE's commitment to advancing global anti-corruption efforts.

► On the 20th, Senior Anti-Corruption Advisor Johannes O. Tonn hosted a lunch uniting key organizations active in beneficial ownership transparency (BOT) work—including Open Ownership, EITI, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the International Republican Institute (IRI), and GIZ. Participants discussed coordinating efforts at country level & agreed on regular CIPE-led calls to advance our joint efforts

► Johannes Tonn also brought together representatives from civil society, the private sector, & international organizations for a Tech-4-AntiCorruption Breakfast on June 21st, featuring panelists from Microsoft, the World Bank, Open Data Charter & more.

Speakers discussed trends in the Tech-4-AntiCorruption space over the past 20 years to situate current strategies for moving forward productively, ensuring commitments to technology for anti-corruption work for all actors, including civil society and Small & Medium Sized enterprises.

Does your chamber or association struggle to communicate value to prospective or existing members?

Join CIPE Chambers and Associations working group chair Stephen Rosenlund and president of the consulting firm Association Options William Pawlucy for a webinar on the why's and how's of developing a meaningful value proposition, including an overview of a new tool from Association Options.

Wednesday, June 26
Webinar: 8:30 - 9:30 AM ET

Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElceurrT0qHNEJ8xg-F9MaORvbeAIbqaKv?_x_zm_rtaid=1Le61Pf-Tl2iEJ-7B_IHvw.1718945019782.839d9c11aec1a2a34e163026d43fd054&_x_zm_rhtaid=667 #/registration