Suva, Fiji: A six-day online training program for public auditors across the Pacific has concluded, further increasing public finance accountability and oversight across the region. 

Supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji – and with thanks to the European Union (EU) and Government of the United Kingdom – more than 40 public auditors representing three Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) came together to share knowledge and discuss strategies for increasing transparency in public finance management (PFM). Their goal: to explore effective ways to make information about government funds more accessible to the public, recognizing that these resources ultimately belong to the people.

For those in attendance, most have had previous on-the-job training as auditors and accountants but have never had the time to look at the broader public finance cycle and where they fit in this picture.

“The training has been an eye opener – not only in terms of public finance knowledge, but it got me to think about how best to communicate my findings to Members of Parliaments, the media and the public generally,” said Shreen Lata of Fiji. 

The six-day training course, delivered online over two-hour sessions, covered a comprehensive range of topics, including PFM principles, legal frameworks, fiscal policies, and the roles of various oversight institutions. This training is particularly significant for the Pacific region, where effective management of public finances has been as an area of weakness by international assessments and is a crucial step to access essential funds for climate resilience and sustainable development.

The training also addressed the need for improved collaboration between SAIs and other PFM stakeholders by fostering connections and helping participants understand the impact of their work through effective collaboration. 

UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel, emphasized the importance of the training, stating:

"This course carries a fundamental message to public finance oversight experts that they are not alone, many different actors have a shared interest in collaborating to ensure money is maximized in their countries."

The training further emphasized the flexibility needed to adapt core PFM principles to fit national contexts, considering the timing and objectives of specific reforms. EU Representative, Ms. Carmen Lloveres, Programme Officer – Budget Support, PFM and Taxation, added:

"The European Union is committed to supporting good governance in the Pacific. This training initiative, as part of the Vaka Pasifika Project, is a crucial step towards building stronger, more accountable public finance systems in the region."

As a new feature, this session partnered with the UK Government-supported Pacific Anti-Corruption Project to highlight key entry points for fraud detection in the PFM cycle and the anti-corruption functions of SAIs. 

UK High Commissioner to Fiji, HE Dr. Brian Jones, said:

“Audit institutions are vital to ensure the effective use of tax-payers funds. Corruption hits the most vulnerable first - those at risk of climate change and those victims of illegal drugs and domestic violence. The UK is committed to supporting institutions with a role to play in tackling corruption in the Pacific be better equipped to highlight it and inform the public and governments where it is found.”

The training's significance extends beyond immediate skill development. It aims to create a ripple effect, enhancing SAIs' ability to conduct timely audits of annual financial statements, improve understanding of performance audits, and take proactive steps in anti-corruption efforts. 

As the Pacific region continues to face developmental challenges, the role of effective public finance management becomes increasingly crucial. This training represents a significant step towards building stronger, more transparent, and more accountable financial systems across the Pacific, ultimately contributing to improved governance and sustainable development in the region.

For more information please contact:

Alrina Ali - alrina.ali@undp.org