Samoa Takes Significant Step Towards Eradicating Corruption with Launch of National Anti-Corruption Policy

A major milestone in Samoa’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption was marked last week with a key consultation hosted by the Samoa Public Service Commission. The meeting was the culmination of three weeks of one-on-one discussions with stakeholders from the private and public sectors, civil society, women and youth groups, parliamentarians, and the media.

Focused on Promoting Integrity and Good Governance

The consultation aimed to promote integrity and good governance to counter corruption, highlighting Samoa’s commitment to strengthening its anti-corruption efforts. The country is working in partnership with the United Nations Regional Anti-Corruption Project (UNPRAC), the United Nations Development Programme (Multi-County Offices in Samoa and Fiji), and the New Zealand Government to develop its first national Anti-Corruption Policy.

Key Objectives of the Policy

According to officials, the policy aims to:

• Promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption and integrity-related matters in Samoa more efficiently and effectively.
• Strengthen integrity and accountability, as outlined in Samoa’s Pathway for Development and Public Administration Sector Plan.

Corruption: A Complex Phenomenon

Corruption is a complex phenomenon that requires comprehensive approaches, said Jorn Sorensen, UNDP Resident Representative. “It needs strategic cooperation at all levels, individual champions for its effective prevention, and to help combat it.”

Significance of Samoa’s Accession to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption

Samoa’s accession to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2018 was a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of its public administrations. The convention is the first global legally binding instrument in the fight against corruption.

UNDP’s Commitment to Strengthening Integrity and Accountability

The development of Samoa’s anti-corruption policy is part of UNDP’s four-year commitment to the region, including Samoa, as outlined in its new Multi-County Programme Document 2023/2027. The program aims to:

• Promote fortified public institutions and communities
• Enhance integrity and effective governance through strengthening transparency and accountability, rule of law, access to justice, and efficient service delivery

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Laufālē’ainā Lesā, Communications Analyst, UNDP Multi-Country Office, Samoa at:

• Phone: +685 23670
• Email: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org