Fiji Steps Up Anti-Bribery and Corruption Fight with Private Sector Onboard

Fiji’s fight against corruption has reached a significant milestone with the launch of an intensified public integrity and anti-bribery campaign in the private sector.

A Sustained Commitment

The initiative, launched almost a year ago, has seen a sustained commitment from stakeholders despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, has been a key partner in this campaign since its inception.

Aligning with International Mandates

FICAC Deputy Commissioner Rashmi Aslam emphasized that the partnership with FICAC aligns with the UNDP’s mandate to support national efforts to address corruption threats within the overall good governance agenda. The anti-bribery and integrity campaign in Fiji is also aligned with Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for countries to improve their governance systems and fight corruption.

The Private Sector’s Critical Role

HFC Bank CEO Rakesh Ram highlighted that the private sector has a critical role to play in preventing drainage of resources caused by corruption and bringing them back to investments in important development outcomes for the people in Fiji. By opting not to accept or offer bribes, the private sector can help prevent corruption and make a measurable difference for citizens.

The Private Sector’s Commitment

The commitment of the private sector is also aligned with the UN Global Compact principle 10, which calls for businesses to work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

Ongoing Partnership

UNDP remains committed to continued partnership with FICAC in the nationwide anti-bribery and integrity efforts. The organization looks forward to embracing more stakeholders and spreading the message and knowledge as loudly and widely as possible.

International Support

The Government of New Zealand has supported these efforts as a current donor, while the Government of Australia has invested in the anti-corruption agenda in the Pacific for many years under UN-PRAC.