As part of the ongoing Raising Public Awareness on Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financial Terrorism program, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) has successfully implemented a Strategic Communications Mentorship in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. This initiative aims to equip key public and private institutions with the necessary tools to effectively communicate the risks and realities associated with terrorist financing and money laundering—fostering a collective effort to combat these criminal activities. The mentorship, conducted between March and April 2024, was a pivotal component of the larger program, focusing on providing guidance to communication departments of beneficiary public and private entities. By enhancing their communication strategies and objectives, the mentorship sought to broaden the reach and diversity of their audiences, ultimately raising awareness about AML-CFT within their respective communities.
One of the primary goals of this mentorship was to ensure that communication efforts effectively convey the risks and implications of money laundering and terrorism financing to diverse audiences. By tailoring communication plans to the specific needs of each institution, participants have been able to address the issue of money laundering and combating terrorist financing in a manner that resonates with their intended audience. The mentorship has also emphasized the importance of planning within a communication strategy for social causes.
Participants have delved into analyzing opportunities, strengths, weaknesses, and contextual factors related to AML/CFT, determining key messages, identifying target audiences, and considering resources and budgets for effective communication campaigns. This holistic approach ensures that the communication plans are comprehensive and impactful.
Mentors involved in the program have brought a wealth of expertise to the table, including local and regional journalists and communication specialists with a strong emphasis on social causes. Their guidance has been instrumental in assisting the participating institutions in developing robust communication plans tailored to their unique circumstances.
Following the mentorship, each participating institution has created a communication plan for the year 2024, aligning with the objectives of the Raising Public Awareness Program on AML/CFT. By doing so, they are furthering the goal of increasing knowledge and awareness of criminal practices, ultimately contributing to the prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing.
In addition to the valuable mentorship sessions, a follow-up support session was provided to assist participants in finalizing their communication plans, ensuring that they are well-equipped to implement them effectively. As a testament to the success of the mentorship, participants were awarded certificates, recognizing their commitment to advancing awareness of AML-CFT within their organizations and communities.
