Dear PMI Community,

Earlier this month, PMI launched an important revision of a document that impacts project professionals worldwide. And no, I’m not talking about the Eighth Edition of the PMBOK!  Instead, I’d like to focus on the release of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which has been updated to align with the dynamic nature of our profession and our world. Why does this matter?

Ethics is what transforms project management from a job into a profession. It’s what gives people confidence to trust us with their time, their money, their teams and their ideas.  Every project involves choices: how we treat our stakeholders, how we handle setbacks, how we balance pressure with principle. The new Code reminds us that how we deliver is important, as it connects directly to our purpose of maximizing project success to elevate our world.

As project professionals who lead teams, influence decisions and shape outcomes, each one of us carries a responsibility. We must ensure that our actions reflect the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, respect and fairness. Our updated Code strengthens that shared commitment and empowers us to make decisions that are grounded in our culture and values. When we do the right thing - even those times when it is the hard thing - we strengthen the credibility of our projects, our organizations, and our entire profession.

The Code defines both mandatory standards - which all members, certification holders and volunteers must uphold - and aspirational standards, which inspire us to go beyond compliance, leading with purpose and serving our communities with integrity.

The latest update includes the following key enhancements:

• Clearer, more practical guidance and examples that make ethical principles easier to understand and apply.
• Emphasis on stewardship and sustainability, so that we make decisions and take actions that are good for people, communities, and the planet.
• Inclusion of AI governance to guide ethical behaviors in how Project Professionals lead, manage, and deploy technology.
• Emphasis on inclusivity, accountability, courage, and respect for diversity, to reinforce the people-centered nature of project work.
• An expanded commentary and glossary to make the Code easier to understand and apply in real-life situations.

I’d like to thank the team of volunteers who worked diligently to update and refresh the Code. Their work will deliver a lasting benefit to the profession. 

To help you learn more about our updated Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and also learn how to apply the Code’s principles to your daily work, please check out the updated Ethical Decision Making Framework and toolkits on PMI.org.

On behalf of the PMI Board of Directors, I thank you for leading with integrity.

Pat Lucey
Chair, Governance Committee
PMI Board of Directors