Unite Against Graft: Business Leaders Call for Action
In a bid to combat corruption and inequality in the Solomon Islands, over 30 business leaders from across the provinces have called for united action against graft. The call was made at an anti-corruption and integrity workshop organized by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) with support from the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, in partnership with the Transparency and Accountability for people of Solomon Islands Project implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Capacity Building for MSMEs
The two-day training aimed to enhance the capacity of women-owned and managed micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to strengthen internal control mechanisms, ethics, and compliance. Participants also emphasized the need for regional anti-corruption training with a focus on producing a localized toolkit specifically for women-owned MSMEs.
Quotes from Workshop Attendees
- “It is essential that businesses promote integrity to ensure a conducive and fair environment for businesses to thrive.” - Solomon Alufo’oa, young entrepreneur
- “Such trainings are crucial, as they empower businesses to engage and develop appropriate preventive business integrity measures.” - Dalcy Tekulu, Solomon Islands Women in Business Association representative
Corruption: A Major Challenge
According to the 2017 Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) Private Sector Scan Report, corruption was identified as one of the biggest issues impacting business. The training aligns with UNDP’s goal of strengthening anti-corruption institutions and systems, supporting the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), mitigating corruption risks in essential sectors, and promoting collective action among governments, civil society, and the private sector to combat corruption.
International Support
The UN-PRAC Project is a joint initiative by UNODC and UNDP supported by the Australian Government and New Zealand Aid Programme. The Transparency and Accountability for people of Solomon Islands Project is implemented by UNDP in the Solomon Islands with support from the Solomon Islands Government and British High Commission in Honiara, aimed at strengthening society’s capacity to combat corruption.
Key Takeaways
- Over 30 business leaders called for united action against graft.
- The training enhanced the capacity of women-owned MSMEs to strengthen internal control mechanisms, ethics, and compliance.
- Participants emphasized the need for regional anti-corruption training with a focus on producing a localized toolkit specifically for women-owned MSMEs.
- Corruption was identified as one of the biggest issues impacting business in the Solomon Islands.