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GUINEA: UNDP Workshop Focuses on Whistleblower Protection in Finance Sector
A workshop on whistleblower protection in the financial sector was recently held in Port Moresby, Guinea, under the European Union-funded Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea Project. The event was jointly organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Government’s Department of Justice and Attorney General, and the Business Council of Papua New Guinea.
Workshop Objectives
The workshop aimed to discuss the implementation of the Whistleblower Act 2020, which has yet to be implemented in the country. UNDP provided a model draft whistleblower protection policy developed as part of the PNG Anti-Corruption Project. The event was attended by representatives from:
- Private sector
- Government
- Business council
- Chamber of commerce
- Transparency International
Importance of Whistleblower Protection
According to Thomas Eluh, Chairman of the Papua New Guinea Interim Independent Commission Against Corruption, “the fight against corruption is not straightforward… This workshop is crucial in highlighting why whistleblowing is a powerful instrument to expose corruption in the workplace, both in the private and public sectors.”
The event highlighted the importance of whistleblower protection in fighting corruption, which has been identified as a major issue affecting citizens, communities, businesses, and the country’s investment climate. Dr. Hans Lambrecht, First Secretary and Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Papua New Guinea, emphasized that addressing corruption is crucial for creating a conducive business environment.
Training Session
The workshop also included a three-day training session on whistleblower protection for public officials, which aimed to equip participants with knowledge and understanding of international standards and best practices related to whistleblower protections. Edward Vrkic, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, stated that the training provides participants with the skills to report corruption effectively.
PNG Anti-Corruption Project
The PNG Anti-Corruption Project is funded by the European Union and implemented jointly by UNDP Papua New Guinea and UNODC. The project aims to strengthen the government’s commitment and capacities to address corruption for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.