SDG 16 - Strategic Initiatives
Principles on Corruption and Bribery
Western University is committed to openness and transparency in all our operations. Messages from the president and the board chair emphasize the importance of public accountability.
As part of this commitment, Western firmly opposes corruption and bribery. The Safe Disclosure Policy and associated procedures protect disclosures related to bribery, fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and other corrupt practices. The policies on Gift Acceptance and Conflicts of Interest ensure that all actions and decisions are made in the best interest of the university, free from undue influence or bias.
The Supplier Code of Conduct extends this expectation of ethical business practices to our suppliers:
Anti-Corruption Business Practices and Bribery
- The supplier shall not, directly or indirectly, pay, give, offer, or promise anything of value to any local or foreign government official (or to any person for the benefit of a government official) for the purpose of corruptly causing the government official to improperly act or use his or her influence in obtaining or retaining any business.
- The supplier shall not, directly or indirectly, pay, give, offer, or promise anything of value to the University to secure any improper advantage for the University or the supplier.
Western’s Ivey Business School is proud to be the first Canadian business school to become an academic stakeholder in the UN Global Compact. Principle 10 of the Compact focuses on anti-corruption: Businesses should work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery.
Advice to Government 
Western University provides expert advice to local, national, and regional governments through policy guidance, committees, and partnerships.
The Government Relations Department at Western University demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with the municipal government in the City of London, the provincial government in Ontario, and the federal government of Canada. Under the leadership of Alex Irving, Executive Director of Government Relations, we strive to enhance relationships and develop comprehensive approaches to policy issues.
Board of Governors and Partnerships
- Western’s Board of Governors membership includes the Mayor of London, the County of Middlesex Councillor, and two additional seats appointed by the City of London.
- The London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership Council membership allots one community partner seat to Western University.
Collaborations and Research
The Network for Economic and Social Trends (NEST) partners with community organizations to generate evidence-based policy and research; examples include:
- A 2023 collaboration with five Local Immigration Partnerships in London, Niagara, Oxford, Sarnia-Lambton, and St. Thomas-Elgin provided policy insights into Racism and Discrimination in Southwestern Ontario.
- The Centre for Urban Policy and Local Governance facilitates interdisciplinary collaborations and dialogue between academics, policy practitioners, and the broader public. Initiatives like Power and Purpose: Canadian Municipal Law in Transition bring together city leaders, government officials, academia, civil society, and the private sector to address major urban challenges in Canada.
- The Local Democracy Project conducts a national examination of election processes across Canadian provinces to support data-driven policy improvements.
Conferences and Educational Programs
- Western hosted a Local Government Conference: Municipal Government, featuring speakers from academia and government.
- Additionally, the Local Government Program, in partnership with the City of London, offers specialized education in local administration and policy analysis.
Policy and Management Centres
- The Ivey Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management provides a forum for business and government to discuss and debate policy issues. A brief on Blockchains, Cryptocurrencies, & NFTs in the Gaming Industry, and a conference on Comparative Perspectives on Broadband Regulation and Access help shape public policy in a changing technological landscape.
- The Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre provides policy guidance to the government through evidence-based research, forums, workshops, educational initiatives, and advisory roles. As an example, feedback was submitted to the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel as part of its mandate to shape energy policy through informed evidence-based analysis.
Safe Space
Western provides a neutral platform and safe space for different political stakeholders to discuss challenges openly. We affirm the principle of academic freedom to ensure that ideas can be expressed without fear of interference or repression from university administrators, politicians, or others. Our Freedom of Expression policy states: All members of the University community, including guests and visitors, have the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to examine, represent, question, advocate for and comment on any issue without reference to prescribed doctrine. It also includes the right to criticize the University and society at large.
Students can engage in political discourse and debate through the Western Model United Nations and the UWO Debate Society.
The Centre for Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction brings together interdisciplinary experts to tackle issues of development, democracy, the environment, the economy, human rights, politics, and peace agreements. It hosts events to facilitate neutral discussions of these politically sensitive issues.
Western’s Ivey Business School also hosted a five-day workshop, Reconciling Business Schools, to create a safe space to discuss the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
In addition, the Department of Political Science hosts events, lectures, and panel discussions on key political issues and theories.
Western University is committed to diversity and inclusion, creating spaces for open dialogue on various social and political issues to ensure all voices are heard and respected.
