Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Responsible business practices are critical to achieving The Distrikt’s mission. For us, it is a precondition for fair and open markets that we aim to reach, sustainable profitable growth both for business success and healthy societies.
As an investment project focused on entrepreneurship we thrive in peaceful environments with effective institutions where operating costs are predictable and working environments are stable.
As a responsible business focused on strategic social investment, public policy engagement, and collective action we aim to make meaningful contributions to lasting peace, development, and prosperity while ensuring long-term business success. From no corruption to participatory decision-making – discover our strategies of good governance and a transparent investment environment.
Fight against corruption and bribery
Corruption is one of the most important determinants and obstacles to investment growth. The Distrikt has adopted an anti-corruption program as an expression of core values of integrity and responsibility as well as to effectively counter corruption. We prohibit corruption in any form whether direct or indirect.
The Distrikt’s integrity policy sets out the rules and responsibilities with which each partner and employee must comply in relation to bribery and corruption, gifts and hospitality, sponsorship and donations, fraud, money laundering, conflicts of interest, third-party vetting, and raising concerns.
Corruption within the business
Fraud, conflicts of interest, insider trading
Corruption in the supply chain
Bribery, extortion
Corruption in the market environment
Collusion
Corruption in society
Undue influence
Laundering the proceeds of corruption
Money laundering
Effective, accountable, and transparent governance
The Distrikt is committed to and implement conflict-sensitive, lawful, and transparent operational policies and practices, including on human resources, public and corporate procurement, and in the value chain more generally.
The Distrikt’s code of business conduct is based on principles derived from the local and international standards, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the fundamental conventions of the International Labor Organization; the UN Global Compact on human rights, labor standards, the environment protection and anti-corruption.
The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact
Principle 1: Human Rights
Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.
Principle 2: Human Rights
Businesses should make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Principle 3: Labour
Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
Principle 4: Labour
Businesses should uphold the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour.
Principle 5: Labour
Businesses should uphold the effective abolition of child labour.
Principle 6: Labour
Businesses should uphold the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Principle 7: Environment
Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
Principle 8: Environment
Businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
Principle 9: Environment
Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Principle 10: Anti-Corruption
Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
Compliance with laws, regulations, and tax legislation
The Distrikt complies with all Armenian and international, laws, regulation, and tax legislation while requiring and supporting business partners to do the same.
The Distrikt’s tax policy underscores our commitment to responsible tax management and the pledge to avoid tax schemes that are artificial, fraudulent, or disconnected from actual operations.
Inclusive decision making
The Distrikt has adopted a participatory approach both with the internal affairs with its team member, startups, and local stakeholders that are involved in Gyumri development. We are engaged in public-private dialogues, partnerships, and collective action over local sustainable development.
Sustainability principles for the startups and business partners
The Distrikt also defines sustainability principles for business partners and enterprises that will be hosted. It covers labor rights, environmental protection, and business ethics. The code of conduct for enterprises ensures they comply with applicable laws and regulations on bribery and corruption, money laundering, unfair competition, and international trade sanctions.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The Distrikt contributes to the SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The goal is to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. →
SEATTLE, Washington — Gayane Ghandilyan Arakelyan is the CEO of Digital Pomegranate, one of many Armenian tech companies run by women. →
