DERES recognized Sofis Solutions for the progress and evolution of its WMS.

Montevideo, December 11, 2020.

DERES held the 9th Edition of the DERES Recognition for Best Business Practices, where it recognized Sofis Solutions in the "Advanced Compliance" category, for the progress and evolution of its Anti-Bribery Management System and its alignment and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, specifically SDG 16 "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions" and SDG 17 "Partnerships to achieve the Goals." Additionally, it received the recognitions "Inspiring Practice" and "Practice that Improves Competitiveness."

On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, DERES held its DERES SDG 2020 Conference under the motto "For a Sustainable Uruguay – Where are we going?", an event held at the ANTEL Auditorium, which due to the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted both in person (for those who wished to attend) and online (streaming broadcast on DERES' YouTube channel). The agenda of the event was divided into three blocks. In the first blocks, talks entitled "For a Sustainable Uruguay. Where are we going?" and "Financing Sustainability" were given by different recognized speakers who discussed the future challenges of sustainable development during the pandemic. The last block featured the 9th Edition of the DERES Recognition for Best Business Practices that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the framework of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

During the event, 32 awards and 45 special distinctions were granted to Uruguayan companies whose practices and actions are linked to their business strategy and contribute to the commitment to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The practices were evaluated by the Honorary Technical Evaluation Committee, made up of 24 specialists in the subject, who reviewed each application from DERES member companies.

For his part, Cr. Felipe Cat, Executive President of DERES, highlighted: "(...) I want to congratulate the 49 organizations and companies whose awards we will deliver this afternoon, thank you for working anonymously day by day, as we know that achieving recognition for each practice requires hours of effort and work throughout the year."

Among the organizations recognized for Best Business Practices is Sofis Solutions, which received recognition for the practice: "Evolution and maturity of the organization's Anti-Bribery Management System," in the "Advanced Compliance" category, which contributes to SDGs 16 and 17. This practice was recognized in previous editions, where organizations maintain them sustainably over time and continue to be valid at the time of submission. Additionally, the organization presented significant indicators and evidence showing progress in the practice. Furthermore, it received the recognitions "Inspiring Practice" and "Practice that Improves Competitiveness."

Since 2019, Sofis Solutions has implemented its Anti-Bribery Management System, which was certified by Intertek and accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Services). Since then, it has formalized its evolution and reached a maturity level 4 (on a scale from 1 to 5 regarding Intertek's maturity level, considering resources used, management, corrective actions, continuous improvement, and control of operations related to the system). Therefore, it continues evolving to foster internally and externally with all stakeholders an ethical, transparent culture with zero tolerance for bribery and all its forms through anti-bribery practices.

The maintenance and evolution of the Anti-Bribery Management System aims, from the maturity level reached, to detect new opportunities based on its implementation, both commercial and in alliances with other organizations, to achieve compliance with the goals of SDG 16 "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions," which emphasizes promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, facilitating access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Specifically, target 16.5 is to "Significantly reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms." Collaborative work and the promotion of these practices can help reveal the negative impact they bring.

Photograph: Awards obtained in the 8th and 9th Edition of the DERES Recognition for Best Business Practices

According to Ing. Gustavo Cirigliano, director of Sofis Solutions: "These recognitions are very significant and valued by the Management, as they reinforce the path the company has taken in its anti-bribery commitment. Companies and governments have started including anti-bribery certification requirements in bids, which also improves Sofis' competitiveness in different markets. We want and hope to contribute from our experience in working groups on the subject and that other institutions also follow these practices."

On the other hand, Lic. Laura Viré, Quality Manager and responsible for the Anti-Bribery Management System at Sofis Solutions, states: "Being recognized also as an inspiring practice contributes an important grain of sand; collaborative work and sharing this experience with other organizations encourage the use of good practices, anti-bribery policies, or codes of ethics to fight corruption and particularly bribery. We always thank DERES for the opportunity to share with others, as it adds value and also helps to collectively achieve the Sustainable Development Goals."

It is worth noting that on December 9, the United Nations celebrated the "International Anti-Corruption Day," aimed at governments, companies, and civil society committing to join efforts to combat and curb the devastating impact of corruption on people's lives worldwide. Moreover, 2020 was no exception, as corruption and bribery increased during the COVID-19 health crisis; therefore, the United Nations decided that this year's motto would be "Recovery with Integrity," emphasizing the implementation of effective measures to mitigate corruption and thus achieve a better recovery.

Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic context, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declares: "Corruption is criminal and immoral and represents the ultimate betrayal of public trust. It is even more damaging in times of crisis, as is happening now worldwide with the COVID-19 pandemic. The response to the virus is creating new opportunities to exploit weak oversight and inadequate transparency, diverting resources intended for those in greatest need."

Finally, Sofis Solutions will continue fostering an ethical and transparent culture among its collaborators and stakeholders to generate a positive impact within its sphere of influence aligned with Principle 10 of the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.