Exploring Fair Lobbyism
Lobbyism and transparency: how transparency can ensure lobbyism as a fair component of the democratic discussion.
The sensitivity of the image of public institutions has in recent years led to lobbying being more closely regulated. Businesses on the other hand, have an equal interest to protect their reputation and to protect the integrity of the lobbyists or public affairs professionals that work for them.
Lobbying involves a wide range of actors, and is part and package of the democratic decision making process. Although lobbying can be a positive force in democracy, it can also take place at the expense of the public interest.
At this network meeting we will explore components of transparency, including:
- Should businesses be transparent about lobbying, and should they include lobbying efforts in sustainability reporting?
- Should Denmark introduce a lobby register by law that ensures public knowledge of who elected politicians are meeting with – and about what?
Date:
September 9, 2022
Time:
10.00 – 12.30 CET
Location:
Mærsk, Esplanaden 50, 1098 København K.
This meeting is reserved for members of the Global Compact Network Denmark’s Anti-corruption group.
Program
10.00 – 10.05: Welcome and Introduction to the meeting
Alexandra Belmonte, Mærsk & Lene Westergaard, Head of Programmes, Global Compact Network Denmark
10.05 – 10.15 Introductions round the table
All attendees
10.15 – 10.30 Recap of last meeting April 9 at Astellas Pharma on third party due diligence
Malene Abildstrøm, Senior Director, Head of E&C Nordic Operations, Astellas Pharma
10.30 – 11.00 Transparency & Lobbyism
Jesper Olsen, Chair of Transparency International Denmark
11.00 – 11.15 Brief Discussion of Jespers presentation, questions and comments
All attendees
11.15 – 11.35 Coffee Break
11.35 – 12.15 Group discussion and reflections on:
- To which degree should businesses and industry organizations be transparent about lobbying, and should they include lobbying efforts in sustainability reporting?
- Which actions does your organization currently take in terms of ensuring transparency connected to lobbyism?
- Should Denmark introduce a lobby register by law that ensures public knowledge of who elected politicians are meeting with – and about what?
12:15 – 12.30 Closing and next meeting
Lene Westergaard, Head of Programmes, Global Compact Network Denmark
Lene Westergaard
Head of Programmes
Human Rights, Diversity & Inclusion, Anti-Corruption
lene@globalcompact.dk
(+45) 81 77 77 00