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The vision of a world in which every individual can freely share in the sum of all knowledge inspires the creation of collaborative efforts that recognize collaborative production as a tool and the freedom of knowledge as a requirement for realizing that vision.

• Para a versão em português consultar: Código de Conduta

Values

Volunteers in these collaborative efforts share the following values:

1. The dream of union takes precedence over the initiative to avert;
2. The gesture of sharing takes precedence over the interest in appropriating;
3. The freedom to create takes precedence over the possibility of control;
4. The will to listen takes precedence over the act of speaking;
5. The challenge of understanding takes precedence over the opportunity to criticize.

Principles

These collaborative efforts adopt and respect the following principles:

Freedom

To use, modify, copy and distribute forms of knowledge.

Accessibility and quality

So that everyone can contribute to and benefit from knowledge.

Openness and autonomy

Of participation to everyone who adopts this Statement of Principles, condition both necessary and sufficient.

Independence

Its relationships include financial, whether with institutions, groups, or individuals.

Transparency

Total, unconditional, permanent, objective and facilitated.

Operational Principles

• Global Collaboration We are a Brazilian organization, part of a worldwide movement committed to sustainable development.
• Evidence-Based Action Our actions are informed by technical and scientific knowledge, promoting dialogue and constructive engagement.
• Environmental Stewardship We are committed to conserving nature and its resources within a socially and economically responsible framework.
• Community Engagement We actively involve local communities in planning and implementation, respecting their cultural values, traditions, and needs.
• Alignment with Values Our decisions, actions, and communications align with our core values, mission, and objectives.
• Strategic Partnerships We leverage partnerships with individuals, organizations, governments, businesses, and communities to maximize our impact.
• Responsible Resource Management We manage financial resources responsibly, transparently, and effectively to achieve our goals.

• Compliance & Ethics We operate in accordance with Brazilian laws, international human rights standards, and our internal policies.

Conduct & Commitments

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

• We foster a culture of respect for individual differences, regardless of origin, nationality, gender, colour, religion, ethnicity, social status, culture, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation.
• We promote equal opportunities for all, ensure gender equity, and create a safe and inclusive working environment free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.

Commitment to Shared Knowledge & Growth

• We share knowledge freely to support individual and collective growth and development.
• We operate under a principle of non-retaliation for collaborators reporting unethical behaviour.
• We uphold the culture of FCUG, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and respectful work environment.

Commitment to Health & Safety

• We prioritize the safety and well-being of our collaborators, ensuring safe working environments and adequate training.
• We respect collaborators' right to refuse unsafe tasks.
• We consider individual limitations and implement appropriate safety measures for all activities.
• We extend our commitment to health and safety to third parties working with FCUG.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

• We actively mitigate and prevent our activities' adverse social or environmental impacts.
• We uphold human rights and prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities.
• We create channels for receiving and addressing concerns, criticisms, and complaints.
• We promote human rights and social development, integrating a gender perspective in all activities.
• We respect indigenous peoples, quilombolas, and traditional communities, acknowledging their rights and seeking participation.
• We support networks, collectives, and other civil society organizations aligned with our values.

Commitment to Ethical Partnerships

• We conduct all partnerships with respect, honesty, transparency, and confidentiality.
• We engage with public bodies and institutions independently, transparently, and in compliance with all legal requirements.
• We conduct due diligence when establishing corporate relationships and prioritizing ethical and responsible businesses.
• We ensure fair competition and transparency in hiring, procurement, and selection processes.
• We require partners, suppliers, and service providers to adhere to ethical and sustainable standards.
• We engage with objectivity, clarity, and scientific accuracy with media and opinion leaders.
• We maintain transparency and cooperation with controlling bodies, auditors, and external evaluators.

Commitment to Organizational Excellence

• We are committed to continuous improvement and learning.
• We comply with the Charter of Principles, Code of Conduct, and Agenda for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• We maintain accurate and transparent documentation of all activities and information.
• We strive for efficiency and effectiveness in our operations.
• We have zero tolerance for fraud, corruption, bribery, and other unethical practices.
• We actively prevent money laundering, tax evasion, terrorism, trafficking, and other illegal activities.
• We safeguard personal data and comply with privacy regulations.
• We avoid conflicts of interest and prioritize the organization's interests.
• We maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and protect the organization's reputation.

Conflict of Interest

Definition

A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests, relationships, or financial affiliations could influence their professional judgment or decisions, leading to a conflict with the organization's interests or the interests of its stakeholders. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Personal Relationships: A relationship with a person or entity that could benefit from a decision made by the individual.
• Financial Interests: An ownership interest, investment, or monetary gain that a decision made by the individual could influence.
• Outside Activities: Outside employment, consulting, or other activities that could conflict with the individual's responsibilities to the organization.

Identifying Potential Conflicts

• Disclosure: All collaborators are expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the Ethics Committee or relevant supervisor.
• Regular Review: The organization should have a system for periodically reviewing potential conflicts of interest, mainly when changes occur in an individual's personal or professional life.
• Conflict of Interest Policy: The organization should have a clear policy outlining specific situations that are considered conflicts of interest, guiding collaborators.

Managing Conflicts of Interest

• Recusal: When a potential conflict of interest is identified, individuals should recuse themselves from any decision-making or activities that conflict could influence.
• Transparency: All potential conflicts of interest should be documented and disclosed to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Mitigation Strategies: If recusal is not possible, the organization should implement mitigation strategies to minimize the potential impact of the conflict, such as:
  • Seeking independent advice.
  • Establishing clear boundaries and protocols.
  • Implementing oversight mechanisms.

Addressing Conflicts

• The Ethics Committee or relevant supervisor should investigate any reported or identified conflicts of interest and take appropriate action to address them.

Examples

• A collaborator is on a company's board of directors bidding on a contract with the organization. This situation presents a conflict of interest, and the collaborators should refrain from making any decisions related to the contract.
• A collaborator has a significant financial interest in a particular technology the organization is considering adopting. This conflict should be disclosed, and appropriate mitigation strategies should be implemented.
• A collaborator's spouse works for a competitor's organization. This relationship could influence their decision-making and should be disclosed to avoid conflicts.

Consequences

• Failure to disclose a potential conflict of interest or engaging in actions that violate the conflict of interest policy can lead to disciplinary action, including termination of employment or involvement in the organization.

Importance of Responsibilities

• Accountability and Enforcement A clear responsibilities section establishes how the Code of Conduct will be enforced and who will ensure compliance. This is essential for creating a culture of ethical behaviour and addressing any violations.
• Transparency and Trust Defining responsibilities transparently builds trust among collaborators and stakeholders, demonstrating the organization's commitment to ethical conduct.
• Fairness and Due Process Outlining clear procedures for addressing violations ensures fairness and due process for all involved.
• Guidance and Support The responsibilities section can also provide guidance and support to collaborators, clarifying expectations and offering resources for navigating ethical dilemmas.