Knowledge Partner Session - Creating Certainty in an Uncertain World: The Evolving Role of Gatekeepers. Presented by World Economic Forum’s Partnering Against Corruption Initiative (PACI)
Mar 26, 2025 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PMKnowledge Partner Sessions (Auditorium)
Mar 26, 2025 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Knowledge Partner Sessions (Auditorium)
Description
Gatekeepers – such as lawyers, accountants, financial institutions and real estate professionals – play a vital role in preventing illicit financial flows and strengthening transparency. As regulatory scrutiny grows, their duty to enforce due diligence and close compliance gaps is more critical than ever. Among them, real estate professionals hold a unique position, acting both as gatekeepers against financial crime and as key players within the built environment sector.
At the same time, the built environment – including construction, real estate and engineering – faces major governance risks, from bribery and procurement fraud to opaque financial transactions. With high-value assets, complex supply chains and global investment flows, the sector remains highly exposed to corruption. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, cross-industry effort to enhance compliance, governance and ethical business practices.
Speakers
• Anahita Thoms, Partner, International Trade Practice, Baker McKenzie
• Elizabeth David-Barrett, Director, Centre for the Study of Corruption, University of Sussex
• Hentie Dirker, Chief ESG and Integrity Officer, AtkinsRéalis Group Inc.
• Katharina Weghmann, Global Leader, Center of Excellence for Ethics and Business Responsibility, EY
• Nicola Bonucci, Member of the Board, Basel Institute on Governance
• Philippe Dessoy, President, Confederation of International Contractors' Associations (CICA)
• Maira Martini, Chief Executive Officer, Transparency International
Moderator
• Delia Ferreira Rubio, Member of the Board, Riskhub Americas; Former Chair, Transparency International
• Christopher Alder, Senior Executive Officer, Standards and Regulation, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
