Solomon Islands Commits to Fighting Corruption with US$653,700 Investment
The Solomon Islands Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling corruption and increasing transparency and accountability in government by committing US$653,700 to a cost-sharing partnership agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Project Overview
The four-year project aims to address corruption and promote integrity in public life. The project is aligned with the country’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which identifies corruption as a major obstacle to sustainable development, fair access to government services, and economic opportunities.
Strengths and Weaknesses Identified
According to Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Jimmie Rodgers, consultations and reflections on the way forward have led to a structured identification of strengths and weaknesses in the fight against corruption.
Funding Breakdown
The new agreement represents an investment of around SB$5.24 million over four years, with the UNDP providing US$7 million of funding still needed to ensure the project’s success.
Achievements So Far
The partnership has already made significant progress, including:
- Adoption and enactment of the Anti-Corruption Act and Whistleblowers Protection Act in 2018
- Strengthening national initiatives that target increased transparency and accountability
Project Timeline
The project is expected to begin later this year and run through April 2023.
Country Ranking
Solomon Islands currently ranks in the middle range of most corruption-related indexes, including Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, which places the country 70th out of 180 countries. The government hopes that this renewed partnership with UNDP will help it make further progress in combating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
The Solomon Islands Government is committed to tackling corruption and increasing transparency and accountability in government. With the new agreement and investment, the country aims to make significant strides in addressing corruption and promoting integrity in public life.