Global Anti-Corruption Efforts Gain Momentum in Palau

Koror, Palau - In a bid to strengthen business integrity and combat corruption, Palau’s private sector entrepreneurs gathered for a two-day workshop co-hosted by the Palau Chamber of Commerce (PCOC) and the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project (UN-PRAC).

Strengthening Business Integrity and Combating Corruption

The workshop is part of a series of anti-corruption initiatives led by PCOC in 2021, with support from UN-PRAC, a joint project between the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji.

“We are committed to promoting transparency and integrity standards that benefit all people of Palau,” said Irene Olkeriil, President of PCOC. “We are delighted to collaborate with UN-PRAC to use Codes of Conduct and other tools to combat corruption.”

Workshop Focus

The workshop will focus on reviewing existing and new Codes of Conduct, business start-up and operation requirements, as well as private sector interaction with integrity agencies, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the newly enacted Corporations Act.

Regional experts from UNDP and UNODC also attended the workshop, emphasizing the importance of anti-corruption efforts in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Promoting a Culture of Integrity

“Local entrepreneurs are keen to learn about laws and institutions that prevent and fight corruption, as well as who they can turn to for help,” said Sonja Stefanovska-Trajanoska, Regional UNDP Anti-Corruption Adviser. “These efforts will help promote a culture of integrity in Palau.”

Workshop Highlights

The workshop features presentations from local experts, including Palau’s Special Prosecutor April Cripps, former President Johnson Toribiong, and business operators.

Integrity Companion Guide for Small Businesses

This year, PCOC and UN-PRAC also produced an integrity companion guide for small businesses, developed after consultations with local entrepreneurs on how to safeguard their businesses against corruption risks.

Regional Anti-Corruption Initiatives

UN-PRAC has undertaken similar anti-corruption initiatives in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa, supported by the New Zealand Government.