Financial Crime World

Here is the article rewritten in Markdown format:

Global Anti-Corruption Efforts in Palau Take Shape at National Integrity Dialogue

KOROR, PALAU - In a major push against corruption, integrity stakeholders in Palau have joined forces with Attorney General Ernestine Rengiil and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to launch a national anti-corruption strategy. This move marks a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability.

Workshop Brings Together Key Stakeholders

A four-session workshop was held recently, bringing together 19 key stakeholders from:

  • Government
  • Integrity agencies
  • Enforcement officials
  • The private sector
  • Civil society organizations
  • Media

The event aimed to initiate research, consultations, and discussions on establishing Palau’s first National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS).

Focused Discussions

The meeting focused on implementing the:

  • United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)
  • Pacific region’s anti-corruption roadmap - the Teieniwa Vision
  • Drafting a needs analysis for Palau as the focal point of the initiative
  • Participants also engaged with other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and worked towards ensuring a strong Pacific presence at the upcoming Conference of the States Parties to UNCAC (CoSP10).

Outcomes

The event culminated in the completion of an Integrity Needs Assessment Survey, which will assist Attorney General Rengiil, as the UNCAC Focal Person, in identifying integrity training needs. The UNODC/Pacific Islands Forum Teieniwa Vision Project, supported by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), will provide assistance with these training needs.

Implications for Palau’s Development

The Palau government’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s development and stability. The initiative has been hailed as a significant step forward in promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in Palauan governance.