Code of Ethics
Effective Date: November 1, 2025
Govonos Institute – The Institute for Tangible Governance, a non-profit association established in Geneva, is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency and intellectual rigor in its research, training and dialogue activities on conscious and tangible governance. This Code of Ethics defines the fundamental principles and guidelines that govern Govonos' operations and its relationships with all its stakeholders.
1. Integrity and Intellectual Honesty
Commitment to Truth
Govonos is committed to conducting all its activities with honesty, sincerity and respect for truth, ensuring that all information published or shared is accurate, verifiable and complete.
Academic Rigor
Govonos maintains the highest standards of academic rigor in its research, publications and teaching, relying on proven methodologies and transparent intellectual processes.
2. Independence and Neutrality
Intellectual Autonomy
Govonos preserves its intellectual and institutional independence from any political, economic or religious influence, thus guaranteeing the objectivity of its work and freedom of thought.
Impartiality
In its mediation and dialogue activities, Govonos maintains a neutral and impartial position, facilitating mutual understanding without favoring any stakeholder.
3. Transparency
Clear Communication
Govonos maintains clear and accessible communication regarding its mission, processes, research criteria and the rights of all concerned parties.
Information Disclosure
Govonos ensures that relevant information is accessible to legitimate stakeholders, in compliance with applicable data protection and confidentiality obligations, thus fostering trust and openness.
4. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Data Protection
Govonos protects all personal and confidential data obtained in the course of its operations, in strict compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and applicable Swiss legislation.
Limitation of Use
Confidential information is used only for legitimate and declared purposes. This obligation remains binding even after the end of any professional or contractual relationship.
5. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Legal Framework Compliance
Govonos ensures that all its activities are fully compliant with applicable laws and regulations in Switzerland, the European Union and other jurisdictions where it operates, particularly in data protection, intellectual property and association law.
Ethical Conduct
Govonos is committed to reporting any illegal, unethical or fraudulent activity related to its services and protects individuals who act in good faith in disclosing such conduct.
6. Equity and Non-Discrimination
Equitable Treatment
Govonos guarantees equal and fair treatment to all stakeholders and does not engage in any discriminatory, manipulative or deceptive practices.
Respect for Rights
Govonos respects the dignity, privacy and rights of individuals and organizations, ensuring that no undue harm results from the legitimate use of its services.
7. Responsibility and Accountability
Reasonable Diligence
Govonos applies rigorous diligence in its research, verification and publication processes, ensuring that all entries and actions are traceable, justified and ethical.
Responsibility
Govonos assumes full responsibility for its operations and decisions, remaining accountable to its members, partners, participants and regulators.
8. Professionalism and Excellence
Competence
Govonos continuously improves its professional competence and that of its collaborators, ensuring high standards of accuracy, relevance and reliability in all published information and training provided.
Respectful Conduct
Govonos promotes mutual respect, courtesy and professionalism in all communications and interactions.
9. Intellectual Property and Academic Freedom
Respect for Intellectual Property
Govonos respects the intellectual property rights of all authors and creators, properly citing sources and obtaining necessary permissions for the use of third-party works.
Academic Freedom
Govonos defends academic freedom and encourages free and critical intellectual exploration, in compliance with ethical and scientific standards.
10. Conflicts of Interest
Prevention and Disclosure
Govonos identifies, prevents and discloses any conflict of interest that may compromise its objectivity or independence. Any potential conflict is immediately declared and resolved transparently.
Legal Notice
Govonos Institute – The Institute for Tangible Governance is a non-profit association under Swiss law, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
President: Pascal Berchem
Contact: mail@govonos.org
Data Protection Contact Point:
mail@govonos.org
This Code of Ethics is a living document that may be periodically revised to reflect the evolution of best practices and regulatory requirements. Any modification will be communicated transparently to all stakeholders.