Here’s the converted article in markdown format:

Fiji’s Finance Sector Embroiled in Bribery Scandal: Development Bank Joins Anti-Bribery Campaign

Suva, Fiji - The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has launched a nationwide anti-bribery campaign to combat corruption in the country’s finance sector. The latest public statutory organization to join the “I Don’t Accept Bribes” initiative is the Fiji Development Bank (FDB).

Anti-Bribery Campaign Launched

The launch of the campaign, which took place on April 4, was attended by executives from FDB and representatives from FICAC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The anti-bribery drive is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and specifically Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for countries to improve their governance systems and fight corruption.

Importance of Integrity

FDB Chief Executive Officer Saud Minam acknowledged the importance of the campaign, stating that while his bank has its own code of conduct, it’s essential for staff to participate in such initiatives to understand the broader context of bribery. “One of our core values is Integrity,” he said. “We exhibit the highest levels of objectivity, honesty, transparency, fairness and responsibility at all times.”

Public Sector Bodies Leading by Example

FICAC Manager Corruption Prevention Kolora Celua emphasized the significance of public sector bodies like FDB taking a stand against corruption. “By knowing how to prevent and fight corruption, an autonomous statutory body such as FDB has a critical role to play in preventing drainage of resources caused by corruption and bringing them back to investments in important development outcomes,” she said.

Tackling Corruption for Sustainable Development

UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Anti-Corruption Adviser Sonja Stefanovska - Trajanoska highlighted the importance of tackling corruption in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. “Corruption undermines progress on all the SDGs. If bribery is not banished and if corruption is allowed to continue, we will struggle to achieve the vision of the 2030 Agenda and a better and more sustainable future for everyone,” she warned.

Campaign Supported by UNDP

The campaign is supported by UNDP under the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) project funded by the New Zealand Government.