Challenges

The main challenge faced by this good practice is the persistent presence of corruption within Paraguay’s economic system, which causes economic imbalances, infringes on human rights, and diminishes trust in institutions. Corruption fosters unfair conditions, hampers sustainable development, and increases costs for businesses and society. To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to strengthen a culture of ethics and transparency within organizations, promoting responsible practices and preventive mechanisms. The implementation of the Integrity Seal aims to encourage companies to adopt ethical standards, enhance their reputation, and improve access to resources and markets. This initiative, developed through international cooperation with Brazil and Germany and inspired by Brazil’s Pro Ética program, contributes directly to SDGs 16.5 and 17.6 by reducing corruption, fostering integrity, and promoting effective multi-stakeholder partnerships. It is a crucial step toward building a more just, transparent, and sustainable economic environment, strengthening governance, and trust among actors in Paraguay.

Toward a Solution

This initiative aimed to reduce corruption through prevention by promoting integrity within companies, strengthening a culture of ethical practices. By providing practical tools and training for effective integrity programs, it fosters responsible business conduct, promotes reputational incentives, and encourages public-private dialogue. It also emphasizes collective action through cross-border cooperation, leveraging international partnerships to enhance the exchange of knowledge and promote integrity at regional and global levels.

A triangular international cooperation methodology was employed, facilitating a systemic transfer of best practices among Brazil, Paraguay, and Germany by integrating theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Brazil’s “Pro-Ética” program from the CGU of Brazil , with over 10 years of experience, served as a foundation for developing the “Integrity Seal,” aimed at enhancing transparency in Paraguayan companies. GIZ, the Alliance for Integrity, CGU and ABC contributed technical advice, tailored tools, continuous monitoring, and coordination among local stakeholders. This multisectoral collaboration—implemented in Paraguay by the General Comptroller of the Republic and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce—fostered a culture of integrity, supporting SDGs 16 and 17 by promoting responsible business practices, strengthening regional partnerships, and ensuring sustainable program implementation.

The development process of the Integrity Seal program was highly participatory, actively involving all key stakeholders. The cooperation included knowledge transfer, personalized technical advice, and the co-creation of tools tailored to the local context. Workshops, training sessions, and exchange events fostered collaboration among international experts and actors from the public and private sectors in Paraguay, Brazil, and Germany. The coordinated and consensus-driven actions ensured an inclusive, transparent, and sustainable process.

Building on the premise that integrity is fundamental to achieving all SDGs, this initiative advances SDG 16.5 by promoting prevention and fostering a culture of integrity through corporate compliance programs, training, and awareness campaigns. Over 30 companies were recognized in the first edition of the Integrity Seal (2022-2024), while in the second edition (2025-2027), 30 large companies and 20 SMEs are currently awaiting evaluation. Additionally, the project strengthens international cooperation through triangular partnerships among Paraguay, Brazil, and Germany, enhancing collective action against corruption. Supported by CGU, ABC, GIZ, Alliance for Integrity, and local partners, these efforts are creating sustainable change in transparency, and responsible business practices.

The practice was innovative because it introduced a unique support system for Paraguayan SMEs interested in the Integrity Seal. These businesses have access to a comprehensive Training and Support Program in Ethics and Integrity developed by Alliance for Integrity, providing active guidance in implementing key requirements and free access to compliance materials. Additionally, the creation of the Technical Coordination Board, comprising SENAC (now merged with the General Comptroller of the Republic of Paraguay) and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), offers regulatory and technical support. The multi-sectoral Selector Committee ensures credible, transparent evaluation of companies. These innovations strengthen company competitiveness by fostering a solid culture of integrity and responsible business practices.

The practice’s sustainability is ensured through institutional integration, with the General Comptroller of the Republic of Paraguay and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce institutionalizing the support and evaluation processes. Continuous capacity building, policy development, and regional cooperation strengthen ongoing adherence to integrity standards. The recognition mechanism encourages companies to maintain ethical practices long-term, fostering a pervasive culture of integrity. These frameworks and collaborations are designed to endure, with ongoing technical support and regional alliances promoting sustained impact and regional integration for responsible business conduct.

The program’s core components—training, support, and credible evaluation—are adaptable across sectors and regions. To ensure replicability, key conditions include strong institutional commitment, stakeholder engagement, clear standards, and local customization. It can be extended to other sectors or countries by adjusting evaluation criteria, leveraging regional cooperation, and fostering local ownership. The success depends on contextual adaptation, strategic partnerships, and sustained capacity building.

Key lessons include the importance of strong multi-sectoral and multi-level collaboration, contextual adaptation of international standards, and continuous stakeholder engagement. Institutional commitment and transparent processes foster trust and sustainability. Capacity building and local ownership are crucial for long-term impact. Flexibility to adapt tools and criteria to local realities enhances effectiveness, and regional cooperation amplifies influence and sustainability.