Ministry of Environment, All Employees Take 'Integrity Pledge'..."Will Neither Give Nor Accept Improper Solicitation"

Minister Han Jeong-ae of the Ministry of Environment. (File photo)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] On the morning of the 8th, the Ministry of Environment held a 'Integrity Pledge Ceremony' at the Government Sejong Complex, where all employees committed to a culture of integrity.

At the ceremony, more than 2,500 employees, including Minister of Environment Han Jeong-ae, over 20 senior officials at the director-general level or higher, and heads of 20 affiliated institutions, participated through the event venue and the company's internal internet broadcast.

During the pledge ceremony, employees reaffirmed their commitment to comply with the key provisions of the "Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft" and the "Code of Conduct for Ministry of Environment Officials" to become an institution trusted by the public.

Subsequently, all employees signed an integrity pledge containing five key commitments: ▲ not accepting any improper solicitation nor making such solicitations on behalf of others ▲ eradicating solicitations that hinder fair work performance and leading the creation of a public service culture trusted by the people ▲ not accepting any money or entertainment that could raise doubts about the fairness and integrity of job performance ▲ performing duties fairly without being influenced by private interests ▲ carrying out duties impartially without favoring or discriminating against related parties.

The Ministry of Environment plans to promote various integrity practice activities in 11 public institutions under its jurisdiction to spread a culture of integrity and consolidate company-wide capabilities. First, officials from the 20 affiliated institutions and the 11 public institutions under the Ministry will gather to identify and innovate unfair practices and improve various systems so that the public can feel the changes. Additionally, they will actively implement integrity management and practice tasks suited to the characteristics of each institution, enhancing practical anti-corruption and integrity achievements, and striving to establish the Ministry of Environment and its affiliated institutions as exemplary organizations in integrity.

Minister Han said, "Continuous institutional improvements and the establishment of a culture of integrity are important to build an organization trusted by the public and characterized by integrity," adding, "This year as well, all employees will firmly strengthen their commitment to practicing integrity and approach the public as a transparent Ministry of Environment."