Papua New Guinea was one of the first countries in the Asia- Pacific to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, in 2007, and continues the journey of ending corruption to increase prosperity for all.

As Dirk Wagener, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Papua New Guinea, wrote on International Anti-Corruption Day 2021, it is very encouraging that Papua New Guinea has made visible progress in establishing key anti-corruption instruments over the past few years.

Corruption affects all of society by diverting funds from core basic services, resulting in inequality and undermining trust in public institutions. In particular, the key adoption of the Organic Law on the Independent Commission Against Corruption has enabled the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and the adoption of the Whistleblower Act in 2020.

The latest achievements in Papua New Guinea’s fight against corruption and towards greater accountability and transparency has seen further work on the National Anti-Corruption Plan of Action (2020 - 2025) to implement a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2010 – 2030). Preparations are also underway for the National Right to Information Policy aiming for the adoption of the Right to Information Law.

The United Nations Development Programme, jointly with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, is implementing the Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea Project, funded by the European Union.

This Project aims to strengthen the Government’s commitment and capacities to address corruption in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and to effectively progress the Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.

Key project partners include the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Department of Justice and Attorney-General and other key national agencies, civil society, and communities.

The Project will also direct specific support towards core anti-corruption institutions, particularly the new Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, national and provincial fraud units, and the Office of the Public Prosecutor to strengthen their capacities to investigate and prosecute corruption.

An integral part of the EU-PNG Partnership for Good Governance, the overall goal of the Project is to substantially reduce corruption. The key message of the 2021 Anti-Corruption Day was that every person has the right and responsibility to tackle corruption. Together with Government, civil society, the private sector, development partners, media, and youth - all citizens can contribute to combatting corruption in Papua New Guinea.

By doing so, Papua New Guinea can harness and steward its abundant natural and human resources for the benefit of all people across the country and ensure that development is inclusive, benefits all and does not destroy or unsustainably exploit the natural resources it depends on.

Your Right, Your Role: Say #NoToCorruption | #IACD2021 - More About UNDP's Work: Anti-Corruption efforts given critical boost with new project