International Standard setting in the Junior Enterprises Movement and Global Conduct

As the Global Confederation of the Junior Enterprise Movement, Junior Enterprises Global fulfils a normative and policy-setting role for a network spanning thousands of organisations across multiple legal, cultural and institutional environments. In this capacity, JE Global develops Global Policies and a unified Code of Conduct that serve as reference standards for ethical behaviour, governance and professional conduct across the Movement.

These frameworks articulate shared principles and expectations that underpin trust, integrity and credibility at global level, while allowing national and local entities to operationalise them in line with their own legal obligations and organisational structures.

Purpose and Function of the Code of Conduct

The JE Global Code of Conduct establishes a common ethical baseline for the Movement. It defines the standards of behaviour that JE Global expects from those acting under its mandate and provides a reference point for member organisations, partners and external stakeholders seeking to understand how ethical conduct is framed at global level.

Rather than functioning as an operational handbook for local entities, the Code serves as a normative anchor. It reflects internationally recognised principles of good governance, ethical leadership and accountability, and signals the values that guide decision-making, representation and collaboration within the Junior Enterprise ecosystem.

Core Values and Global Reference Principles

JE Global’s Global Policies and Code of Conduct are grounded in a set of core values that apply consistently across all contexts. These include respect and inclusion, integrity and honesty, ethical decision-making, transparency and accountability, and professionalism in representation and are grounded in our organisational and worldwide network values:

1. Global Mindset

2. Pragmatic Idealism

3. Entrepreneurial Culture

4. Integrity.

By articulating these principles at global level, JE Global provides a shared ethical language for a diverse Movement, ensuring coherence without imposing uniform operational rules across jurisdictions.

Scope and Applicability as Reference Standards

The Code of Conduct applies directly to individuals acting on behalf of JE Global at global level, including elected representatives, officers, advisors, envoys, partners and directly affiliated entities. At the same time, it functions as a reference framework for National Confederations and JE Movement member organisations, which are encouraged to align their own codes, policies and practices with its principles.

Where national legislation or internal rules provide stronger protections or higher standards, those prevail. Where gaps exist, JE Global’s Policies offer guidance on the minimum ethical expectations associated with the Movement.

Policy Areas Addressed

JE Global’s Code of Conduct and Global Policies address key areas relevant to international youth-led organisations, including respectful and inclusive conduct, prevention of harassment and abuse, confidentiality and responsible information handling, conflicts of interest, anti-fraud and anti-corruption standards, responsible use of organisational resources, ethical public representation and compliance with applicable laws.

These themes reflect areas of heightened sensitivity in international cooperation and partnership contexts and contribute to the Movement’s credibility with institutions, donors and stakeholders.

Accountability and Governance Signalling

At global level, JE Global enforces its Code of Conduct through its internal governance mechanisms, reporting channels and disciplinary procedures. The existence of these mechanisms demonstrates that ethical commitments are supported by accountability structures. For the wider JE Movement, the Code signals how ethical issues are approached at global level and provides a benchmark against which alignment and good practice can be assessed.

Relationship with the Global Policy Framework

The Code of Conduct sits within a broader framework of Global Policies adopted by JE Global, including Policies on Safeguarding and Gender Equality, Confidentiality and Trust, Whistleblowing, Data Protection, Social Community and Brand Representation. Speak to your local, regional, national or international Representative to find our more.

Together, these instruments form a coherent reference architecture for ethical governance within the Junior Enterprise Movement, supporting consistency, legitimacy and responsible growth across regions.

A Dynamic Reference Framework

JE Global regularly reviews its Global Policies and Code of Conduct to ensure continued alignment with international standards, organisational learning and the evolving realities of a global, volunteer-driven movement.

By maintaining and updating these reference standards, JE Global fulfils its responsibility as the Movement’s global policy-setting body, providing direction, coherence and ethical clarity without limiting the autonomy of its members.

Last updated: 12.01.2026