Pacific Harbour, Fiji: Anti-corruption advocates in the Pacific are charting a new course, leveraging digital technologies to build stronger governance systems across the region.

A three-day conference in Fiji concluded with over 60 participants – from Palau in the North to Tonga in the South – outlining steps to leverage digital technologies for stronger governance and democratic institutions across the region.

Supported by the European Union, alongside the Government of the United Kingdom, ‘Tackling corruption in the Pacific: Can technology and artificial intelligence facilitate a breakthrough?’ has brought together anti-corruption officials from across the region alongside subject experts on digitalization and accountability.

Accountability has been a core area of focus throughout the conference, with participants noting that engagement in the democratic process must extend far beyond election day; democracy cannot be an impermanent or fleeting responsibility.

Yuambari Haihuie, Deputy Director – Partnerships and Policy, Transparency International Papua New Guinea, said the conference highlighted the plethora of opportunities that exist at the intersection of anti-corruption efforts and digitalization.

“There are many opportunities, no doubt, but I have been just as interested to learn about where the challenges may be in the Pacific. The world is moving, and the Pacific is picking up ways that we can strengthen the good efforts that are already there. The conference has recognized that people come first in the Pacific, and making sure that the systems and tools meet the people where they are, rather than getting the people to try and meet the systems,” he said.

Delivering the closing remarks, the Programme Manager - Civil Society, Gender, Human Rights, Health at the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, Francesco Ponzoni, said:

“At the core of the European Union’s digital efforts in the Pacific will be backing visions that safeguard citizen's welfare while exploring the potential of technologies. This includes prioritizing strong digital governance frameworks that enhance transparency and accountability across the region. Whether AI, infrastructure, identities or accountability itself, human-focused approaches are vital so no one is left behind in the digital future.”

‘Tackling corruption in the Pacific: Can technology and artificial intelligence facilitate a breakthrough?’  concluded on 31 May.

For more information contact:
Nick Turner | Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | nicholas.turner@undp.org