Strengthening Governance and Accountability in the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands have kicked off a workshop aimed at enhancing cooperation among its supreme accountability institutions, bringing together over 30 participants from various integrity agencies.
Background
Corruption has long been a major obstacle to sustainable development in the Solomon Islands, diverting public resources away from essential services and hindering economic growth. According to Auditor General David Dennis, “the absence of accountability in our rural-based society would mean continued degradation in law and order and a negative impact on our peaceful development.”
The Workshop
Organized by the Auditor General’s office in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the workshop aims to revise the status of Solomon Islands’ accountability bodies and legislation. The event combines presentations, case studies, and knowledge-sharing sessions to facilitate common understanding among participants from institutions such as:
- Office of Auditor General
- Financial Intelligence Unit
- Royal Solomon Islands Police Force
- Independent Commission Against Corruption
- Leadership Code Commission
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Parliament
- Institution of Public Administration and Management
- Civic society organizations
UNDP’s Support
The UNDP has been actively supporting Solomon Islands in its institutional efforts to reduce corruption and develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. Under the Transparency and Accountability Project (TAP), co-funded by the Government of Japan and Solomon Islands, the agency is working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and systems.
Nanise Saune-Qaloewai, UNDP Programme Manager, emphasized the importance of the workshop in achieving the country’s development goals. “With the 2030 Agenda as a guiding thread, we are working together to reduce bribery and corruption and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions,” she said.
Objectives
The event is part of Solomon Islands’ efforts to implement the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and mitigate corruption risks in essential sectors. UNDP’s approach aims to:
- Strengthen anti-corruption institutions
- Support the implementation of UNCAC
- Foster collective action among governments, civil society, and the private sector in fighting corruption
Contact Information
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Daniel C. Gonzalez, Strategic Communications Specialist, UNDP Solomon Islands Office, at daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org or +677 7740 740/+34.65.65.65270.