Global Anti-Corruption Efforts in Palau Receive Boost as Local Journalists Adopt Code of Conduct
Koror, Palau - In a significant move to promote transparency and accountability, local journalists in Palau have adopted the first-ever Code of Conduct for the Palau Media Council (PMC). This development comes on the heels of a refresher training course organized by the Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalists Network (PACJN) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Adoption of the Code
The adoption of the new Code was unanimous, with 16 participants from the PMC, PACJN, Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), and the Palau Ministry of Finance attending a training session in Koror earlier this month. According to PMC President Leilani Reklai, the move marks a major milestone for local journalists who have been working to raise awareness about corruption and prevent corrupt practices.
Quotes
“We are proud to have adopted our own Code of Conduct, which reflects our commitment to ethical reporting and transparency,” said Ms. Reklai. “Our members are now better equipped to tackle complex corruption stories and hold those in power accountable.”
“Corruption is a global issue that requires a collective response,” said PMC Vice President Kambes Kesolei. “We believe that by working together with international partners like PACJN and UNODC, we can make a real difference in Palau.”
PMC’s Commitment to Anti-Corruption Efforts
The PMC has been at the forefront of anti-corruption efforts in Palau, having received training on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the Pacific’s regional roadmap - the Teieniwa Vision - and other international best practices. The organization has also partnered with local integrity agencies to promote transparency and accountability.
New Grants for Anti-Corruption Projects
In related news, two new grants for Palau journalist anti-corruption projects were launched earlier this month. The grants, administered by the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) through PACJN, aim to build the capacity of selected national media associations and journalists from the Pacific nations to report on integrity issues identified through the UNCAC and Teieniwa Vision implementation.
Grants Details
- Building the Capacity of Pacific Media to Report on Anti-Corruption project grant: This grant is supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project (UN-PRAC), with funding from the New Zealand Aid Programme (MFAT).