IMCO's Anticorruption Reform Initiative For Mexico, "3de3," Wins Prestigious 2017 Templeton Freedom Award

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mexico City-based Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad (IMCO) was selected as the winner of this year's prestigious $100,000 Templeton Freedom Award for its Anticorruption Reform Initiative for Mexico, 3for3 (also known as "3de3" or "tresdetres"), which created a credible, relevant, and effective anticorruption legal infrastructure for the first time in the history of modern Mexican democracy. The award, generously supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, was presented during Atlas Network's Freedom Dinner on Nov. 8 in New York City at the historic Capitale.

"In the context of pervasive disappointment in government and minimal engagement in public affairs, 3de3 has become tangible evidence that citizens, working together, can enact change at the highest level in Mexico," said Alexandra Zapata, education and civic innovation director and 3de3 campaign manager at IMCO.

As of July 18, 2017, the law requires every Mexican politician to publish his or her declarations of assets, taxes paid, and possible conflicts of interest. This comes as the result of an intensive two-year campaign launched and led by IMCO, in which they collected 634,143 signatures ? five times the number required ? to introduce the 3de3 framework to the Mexican Congress for consideration of its passage into law. And the passage of subsequent laws created the National Anticorruption System, which for the first time in the country's history, defines corruption as a crime and wields the power to prosecute such crimes.

"Ending corruption and fostering respect for the rule of law where it does not exist is exceedingly difficult -- and extremely important," said Atlas Network CEO Brad Lips. "Congratulations to IMCO for creating popular demand for this change and seeing it through."

Awarded since 2004, the Templeton Freedom Award is named for the late investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton. The award annually honors his legacy by identifying and recognizing the most exceptional and innovative contributions to the understanding of free enterprise, and the public policies that encourage prosperity, innovation, and human fulfillment via free competition. IMCO was awarded $100,000 for winning the award, and the five other finalists were each awarded $25,000.

About IMCO

Mexico City-based Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad (IMCO) provides relevant, actionable proposals based on applied research and data to improve public policy and enhance Mexico's capability to attract and retain talent and investment for the country's development. It is a not-for-profit, non-partisan, evidence-based think tank and advocacy organization.   

About Atlas Network

Washington-based Atlas Network is a nonprofit organization that strengthens the worldwide freedom movement by connecting more than 475 independent partners in over 90 countries that share the vision of a free, prosperous, and peaceful world where limited governments defend the rule of law, private property, and free markets. AtlasNetwork.org.

SOURCE Atlas Network