Suva (Fiji), 17 August 2023 - The fight against corruption in the Pacific region takes center stage this week as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS) join forces to bring Pacific government anti-corruption focal persons together at the Pacific Pre-Conference of State Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
When the world’s 189 UNCAC-signatory nations meet in December 2023 in Atlanta, US for the 20th year of the UNCAC, the international focus will be on uniting the world against corruption. The cornerstone of the Pacific's commitment to tackle corruption is the Teieniwa Vision, inspired by UNCAC and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Endorsed by 18 PIF Leaders on 3rd February 2021 as the region’s anti-corruption roadmap, the Teieniwa Vision envisions a corruption-free Pacific by harnessing collective regional anti-corruption priorities.
This Pacific Pre-Conference of State Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), being held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat from 17-18 August 2023 in Suva, Fiji, aims to amplify efforts towards a united stance against corruption in the Pacific.
Initiated in 2020 during the first Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Conference, hosted by Kiribati with the technical assistance of UNODC and PIFS, the Teieniwa Vision crystallizes Pacific unity against corruption. This collaborative vision seeks to strengthen cooperation among Pacific Island countries (PICs) and aligns their actions with the UNCAC review recommendations. All 14 Pacific Island countries, plus PIF members Australia and New Zealand, are signatories to UNCAC.
UNODC, the custodian of the Conference of the States Parties to UNCAC, continues to be actively involved in assisting PICs to implement the Convention, fostering cooperation, and supporting their participation in the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism.
The Pacific Pre-Conference of State Parties serves as a platform to reinforce the commitment to the Teieniwa Vision, promoting its operationalization. This meeting will facilitate dialogue on Teieniwa Vision implementation, providing updates on the Priority Implementation Matrix, assessing needs, and establishing the Teieniwa Vision Taskforce. Participants will also lay the groundwork for the upcoming Conference of the States Parties (COSP), including discussions on a draft Small Island Developing States (SIDS) resolution and identifying focal points for COSP special events.
The Pre-COSP meeting serves as a collaborative platform for strategic planning and coordination in the ongoing battle against corruption.
As the Pacific region stands united in its determination to combat corruption, the Pacific Pre-Conference of State Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption marks a pivotal moment in advancing the Teieniwa Vision and reinforcing the commitment of Pacific Island countries to a future free from corruption.
UNODC’s engagement with Pacific Island countries implementing the UN Convention against Corruption and the Teieniwa Vision is supported by the New Zealand Aid Programme.
