Whistleblowing in Finance Takes Center Stage in Guinea as UNDP-Backed Workshop Kicks Off in Port Moresby

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A landmark workshop on whistleblower protection in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) private sector has begun in Port Moresby, marking a crucial step towards implementing PNG’s Whistleblower Act 2020.

Importance of Whistleblower Protection

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the European Union-funded Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea Project, brought together experts from various sectors to discuss the importance of whistleblower protection in combating corruption. The workshop focused on the Whistleblower Act 2020 and a model draft policy developed by UNDP as part of its PNG Anti-Corruption Project.

Quotes from Key Speakers

Thomas Eluh, Chairman of the Papua New Guinea Interim Independent Commission Against Corruption

Fighting corruption is a complex task, but whistleblowing can be a powerful tool in exposing wrongdoing in both public and private sectors. “The fight against corruption is not straightforward. It is a challenging task. This workshop is crucial in highlighting why whistleblowing is a powerful instrument to expose corruption in the workplace,” Eluh said.

Dr. Hans Lambrecht, First Secretary and Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Papua New Guinea

Corruption remains a significant challenge for PNG, with far-reaching consequences for citizens, businesses, and the economy as a whole. Addressing corruption is essential to creating a conducive business environment and attracting both domestic and foreign investments.

UNDP’s Efforts in Supporting Whistleblower Protection

Edward Vrkic, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative

Corruption can have devastating effects on basic services and erode trust in institutions. “This training gives participants the chance to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of international standards and best practice related to whistleblower protections, frameworks, and ways to report for the private sector,” Vrkic said.

About the PNG Anti-Corruption Project

The PNG Anti-Corruption Project is funded by the European Union and implemented jointly by UNDP Papua New Guinea and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project aims to strengthen the government’s commitment and capacities to address corruption, ultimately benefiting all Papua New Guineans.

• Strengthening government departments’ capacity to develop regulations and guidelines for implementing the Whistleblower Act 2020
• Building effective implementation of the act through UNDP’s support
• Providing training on whistleblower protection and reporting mechanisms for the private sector