The Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and professional environment at all events it organizes. This Code of Conduct applies to all participants attending CEF events and covers official sessions, social events, and all activities organized in connection with the event.

By applying for and attending a CEF event, participants agree to comply with this Code of Conduct and to uphold the standards of behavior set out below.

Participants are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism, integrity, and respect for others at all times. All interactions with fellow participants, lecturing experts, observers, and members of the CEF Secretariat Team must reflect courtesy, fairness, and consideration for diversity of views, backgrounds, and experiences. Participants are expected to engage constructively in discussions, to express differing opinions respectfully, and to contribute to a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Any form of harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited. This includes verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct that demeans, humiliates, excludes, or threatens another person. Sexual harassment, unwelcome advances, offensive comments, inappropriate jokes, derogatory language, or any behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or uncomfortable environment will not be tolerated. Discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic is contrary to CEF values and is unacceptable.

CEF recognizes that networking and social interaction are often part of professional events. While alcohol is not served as part of CEF programming, it is possible that participants may choose to consume alcohol in the context of related social activities. If this occurs, participants are expected to do so responsibly. CEF is not responsible for any alcohol consumed outside of official programming. Abuse of alcohol that leads to disruptive, inappropriate, unsafe, or unprofessional behavior constitutes a violation of this Code of Conduct, and misconduct occurring under the influence of alcohol will not be excused. The possession or use of illegal substances at CEF events is strictly prohibited.

Participants who experience or witness behavior that may violate this Code of Conduct are encouraged to report the matter promptly. Reports may be made confidentially to the Ethics Officer at ethics@cef-see.org. Reports should, where possible, include a description of the incident, the date and location, the individuals involved, and any witnesses. All reports will be treated seriously and handled with appropriate discretion and impartiality.

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in immediate action by the Ethics Officer and CEF Secretariat Team. Participants may be interviewed on the spot. Individuals found to have violated this Code may be required to leave the event immediately without refund. In the case of fully funded events, participants may be required to return the funding received, at the sole discretion of CEF. Participants may also be banned from attending future events organized by CEF. Furthermore, their institution, including relevant coordinators or supervisors, may be formally informed of the incident and its outcome.

CEF will review each case carefully and ensure that any measures taken are proportionate and appropriate to the circumstances. False or malicious allegations may themselves constitute a breach of this Code.

By attending a CEF event, participants acknowledge their responsibility to contribute to a safe, respectful, and professional environment and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.