December 9: International Anti-Corruption Day

Montevideo, December 9, 2021.

The United Nations General Assembly declared December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day through resolution A/RES/58/4, approved on October 31, 2003. This observance aims to raise awareness of corruption as a threat to governance, sustainable development, democratic processes, and fair corporate practices.

On this day, different organizations, governments, public and private sectors, and civil society unite efforts to promote the importance of preventing, detecting, and combating corruption. This collective commitment aims to halt any behavior that benefits particular interests in exchange for rewards.

One company actively working against corruption in all its forms, including bribery, is Sofis Solutions. Since 2019, the company has been committed to initiatives aligned with the objectives and values of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

To date, the company has implemented the following initiatives:

• Implementation of an Anti-Bribery Policy: In March 2019, Sofis Solutions implemented an Anti-Bribery Policy as part of its Anti-Bribery Management System, committing to a zero-tolerance stance against bribery in all forms. This policy protects the company’s reputation and reinforces trust and credibility toward clients.
• Ethics Channel: Internal and external stakeholders of Sofis Solutions can report any irregularities or violations of ethics, integrity, or the company’s Code of Conduct.
• ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System Certification: In May 2019, Sofis Solutions became the first company in Uruguay and the first in the Latin American IT sector to obtain ISO 37001:2016 certification, which helps organizations prevent, detect, and combat bribery.
• Recognition for Best Corporate Practices Contributing to the SDGs: Sofis Solutions was recognized by DERES in the 8th Edition of Best Corporate Practices Awards for implementing an Anti-Bribery Management System, contributing to SDG 16 "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions" and SDG 17 "Partnerships for the Goals."
• Recognition in the 9th Edition of Best Corporate Practices: In November 2020, Sofis Solutions was honored in the "Advanced Compliance" category for the development and evolution of its Anti-Bribery Management System and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Dissemination of the Anti-Bribery Management System: In May 2021, the company held a webinar titled "What is an Anti-Bribery Management System: Objectives and Benefits?" to share the value of having such a system and demonstrate the tools used to calculate risk priority indices.
• Renewal of ISO 37001:2016 Certification: In June 2021, Sofis Solutions renewed its ISO 37001:2016 certification, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and trust in business relationships and activities.

These initiatives are aligned with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, specifically Principle 10 on Anti-Corruption: "Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery," and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly SDG 16: Promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.

Through these efforts, Sofis Solutions helps reduce bribery cases, mitigates related risks via its Anti-Bribery Management System, and demonstrates transparency and ethical conduct to stakeholders, strengthening trust and credibility within the IT sector.