Nuku’alofa (Tonga), 28 August 2024 – The Pacific region is defined by its vast ocean, rich cultures and strong community foundations. The people of the Pacific have long demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, adapting and innovating to overcome obstacles that would overwhelm others.
Yet, beneath the surface lies a pervasive issue that threatens the fabric of societies worldwide, with Pacific islands being no exception - corruption. This insidious force undermines trust, erodes public institutions and hampers development, making it harder for communities to thrive.
The daily struggles Pacific communities face, such as access to necessities like water and health care, are further exacerbated by corruption. This makes the fight against corruption not just a matter of governance but of survival.
There are many pieces to the puzzle when it comes to addressing corruption: strong laws and governance systems, accountability, public trust, among others. Learn why it is important to understand socioeconomic contexts when designing anti-corruption solutions and how the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) supports the Pacific in tackling this threat.
Pacific Islanders also live the harsh reality of climate change, development challenges in their limited geographical size and dependence on narrow resource bases. In offering anti-corruption solutions, it is crucial to consider the unique circumstances many islanders experience.
“It’s [Solomon Islands] a Least Developed Country. We are very way back,” says Gina Kekea, coordinator of the Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalists Network.
“All we want is that women, mothers, can take a good shower in the comfort of their home. So that they don’t need to walk far to get water from streams.”
“It’s very hard for us. I feel for the women, especially if pregnant, trying to get to a clinic or hospital. You have to ride across the island, bouncing on a banana boat.”
“Not everyone is ‘one size fits all’. It’s important to understand why things are the way they are.”
Gina also talks about advocating for the role of the media, reaching out to those living in rural areas and educating them on the importance of speaking up.
“Constituency Development Funds in the Solomon Islands, over which members of the parliament have control, are supposed to be for the people of the rural communities but sometimes they don’t get these funds or support. People just tend to be quiet.”
“My role is to educate, encourage them to speak out. You know, it’s your money, it’s supposed to be for you.”
“It’s interesting to see that a lot of women and people in the rural communities are standing up and asking questions about public finances.”
“Sometimes you don’t know people, but they just come to you and say ‘Thank you’ for the work that you’ve done. It gives you a feeling that you’ve made a difference in your lifetime.”
While the world grapples with escalating crises - raging conflicts, a deteriorating climate and deepening inequalities - the Pacific offers lessons in solidarity, strength and resilience.
To address the grappling effects of corruption in the Pacific, building on the Teieniwa Vision, 18 Pacific Island Countries are uniting to combat corruption and address interconnected challenges under a regional anti-corruption platform.
To date, UNODC has established 10 regional anti-corruption platforms that now cover 88 jurisdictions worldwide. By creating avenues for identifying and better understanding the intricate challenges each region faces, UNODC can provide effective support in meeting regions’ anti-corruption commitments.
“The regional platforms emerging across the globe are more than just initiatives; they are powerful networks of action and collaboration. In the Pacific, the Teieniwa Vision exemplifies how regional collective action can lead to shared strategies and build a foundation of transparency, accountability, and good governance for the future,” says Masood Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
