The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in partnership with Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB), wrapped up its transformative series of business integrity workshops under the Global Action for Business Integrity (GABI) project with a powerful guest lecture at the University of Lahore. This initiative has ignited a movement for transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices, with Pakistan’s youth and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at its core.
The GABI workshops brought together a diverse coalition of SMEs, private sector leaders, academia, and students to foster a culture of integrity. The closing session at the University of Lahore was a highlight, sparking dynamic discussions between students, faculty, NAB officials, and industry leaders. The message was clear: Pakistan’s youth are not just the future—they are active drivers of change today. Students pledged to become “integrity ambassadors,” embedding ethical values into their personal and professional lives.
Redefining NAB’s Role and Building Trust
The workshop series reshaped perceptions of NAB, positioning it not only as an enforcer of accountability but also as a proactive partner in preventing corruption. Businesses and SMEs walked away with practical tools to strengthen compliance and manage risks, fostering trust between institutions, the private sector, and young people. This collaborative approach has laid a solid foundation for long-term partnerships that prioritize transparency.
Recognizing SMEs as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, the GABI project equipped them with strategies to operate ethically while thriving in a competitive market. By aligning NAB’s preventive efforts with active private sector engagement, the initiative created a shared commitment to a transparent and growth-oriented business environment. This synergy is set to drive sustainable economic progress across the country.
A Collective Push for a Transparent Future
The success of the GABI project underscores the power of collective action. NAB and UNODC emphasized that lasting change requires collaboration between government, private sector, and citizens—especially the youth. By empowering students and SMEs to champion accountability, the initiative is paving the way for a fairer, more transparent Pakistan.
The GABI project is more than a series of workshops—it’s a blueprint for systemic reform. By investing in youth and supporting SMEs, UNODC and NAB are fostering a new generation of ethical leaders and businesses. This initiative marks a significant step toward a future where integrity drives economic growth and societal progress in Pakistan.
