“The association was founded to organise, promote, represent and provide support to Public Affairs professionals in Belgium and abroad. To this end, the association shall, among others, establish and promote a code of conduct and quality assurance requirements for Public Affairs professionals” (founding act Bepact, 16 February 2016, Belgian Official Gazette).
Good policy is built on dialogue.
Every day, policymakers make decisions that shape our society. To ensure these decisions are well-informed, they need insights and expertise from across the spectrum: from individual businesses to sectoral federations; from employers’ organisations to NGOs.
Our members – Public Affairs professionals – play a vital role in this process. They ensure that diverse voices are heard and that interests are represented with professionalism and integrity. In a strong democracy, everyone has both the right and the responsibility to advocate for their interests. This contribution is not just part of the public debate; it is a cornerstone of effective policymaking.
BEPACT — the Belgian Public Affairs Community, stands for professionalism in public affairs.
We promote the structured exchange of knowledge and perspectives with policymakers, advisors, and other stakeholders, so that decisions are better informed, realistic, and balanced. We bring together professionals from across sectors and organisations to learn from one another and strengthen the practice of public affairs through networking activities, trainings, and our annual summer school.
To support this mission, BEPACT has developed a Charter of Ethical Conduct in Public Affairs. The Charter provides a clear ethical framework for Public Affairs professionals, grounded in the values of transparency, integrity and respect. It contributes to the further professionalisation of the field and promotes a better understanding of the role Public Affairs professionals play in the democratic process.
While the Charter does not cover every possible situation, it promotes the key ethical standards and values that underpin responsible professional conduct and help ensure well-informed, balanced policymaking. By signing it, BEPACT members commit to upholding its principles.