Workshop on harnessing new and innovative technology for tackling corruption in the Pacific underway in Fiji

By Ian Kaukui in Fiji

A 3-day regional workshop that looks towards addressing corruption by way of harnessing new and innovative technologies that promotes accountability is underway starting today at the Pearl resort in Fiji.

Solomon Islands was represented at the workshop by seven representatives from the government, Civil Society Organisation, financial institution and the media.  

Supported by UNDP in partnership with the United Kingdom International Development and the European Union, the workshop brings together officials from Civil Society Organizations, academics and technology experts including media.

Speaking at the official opening yesterday, British High Commissioner Dr. Brian Jones, said such workshops are important to build closer links between the regional partners using the best available technologies effective to support not only the cooperate involved in the global financial security but also for the people at the end of the chain including the marginalized.

Mr. Jones said the UK government is pleased to support this important workshop which aims to tackle corruption as one of the hindrances to development in the region.

“We are proud to support the joint global efforts represented here to tackle the threats caused by corruption and money laundering,” he said.

He added illicit funds and their transfer enable the most serious of threats around the world, environmental crime and people trafficking. 

“These global harms as we know harms the poorest people the hardest, and they hit women and girls and the vulnerable people first through exploitation and destroy the very foundation of the society and communities which are so valuable that is why we are all here today,” he said.

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Tuya Altangerel said technology is not a problem but it is how we use it that matters.

“Unless we apply technology for the public good and strive to actually deliver the quality services for the people or to empower an average citizen to control his or her data then we can use Technology to make this world a better and peaceful place to live,” she said.

Acknowledging the gravity of this challenge, Ushe said the NDP has been working with Pacific Island Countries to support their efforts to tackle corruption and promote public accountability and transparency for more than 15 years using the UN Convention Against Corruption.

All the Pacific Island Countries have ratified the convention as a guiding framework and UNDP has worked with PICs to support their efforts to both prevent and criminalize corruption.  

Acting Secretary General for the Pacific Islands forum Secretariat Mr Esala Nayasi in his keynote address encouraged participants to utilize the workshop and to work together to address corruption in their respective countries.

He said addressing corruption is very important and working together to address good governance is also important.

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