Funafuti, Tuvalu - The Tuvalu Audit Office, with the generous support from the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Vaka Pasifika Project has launched both its Citizens Audit Guide and Strategic Plan 2024-2029 in Funafuti. 

In a significant event marking a commitment to transparent governance and active citizen participation in public financial management (PFM), this vital work is supported by the European Union (EU) through a funding of 6 million Euros to the Vaka Pasifika Project reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability across the Pacific region.

The Citizens Audit Guide was developed in collaboration with the Tuvalu Audit Office, offering a simplified version of official audit reports to make public financial management information accessible to all Tuvaluans. This guide is designed to bridge the gap between complex financial oversight processes and the broader public’s understanding, emphasising that government-managed resources are ultimately the people's money. It provides an accessible platform for citizens to engage meaningfully in discussions surrounding public expenditure and resource allocation.

Imase Kaunatu, Tuvalu's Auditor-General, highlighted the significance of this milestone:

“The launch of the Citizens Audit Guide and our Strategic Plan 2024–2029-mark important steps in our journey to foster transparency and accountability in Tuvalu. By making audit findings accessible and engaging citizens in public financial management, we are reinforcing the principle that public resources belong to the people.”

The event also unveiled the Tuvalu Audit Office’s Strategic Plan 2024-2029, which outlines key priorities for the next five years. This plan focuses on strengthening stakeholder engagement, enhancing transparency, building capacity, and establishing a robust internal governance system to support the country’s broader development goals.

Rustam Pulatov, Team Leader – Effective Governance and Inclusive Growth with the UNDP Pacific Office, expressed UNDP’s pride in partnering with the EU and Tuvalu Audit Office. He said:

“The Citizens Audit Guide simplifies complex audit processes, enabling the people to better understand and engage with public resource management.”

The collaborative efforts of UNDP, the EU, and Tuvalu Audit Office are setting a model for public engagement in PFM across the Pacific. This initiative strengthens public trust in governance, promoting accountability as a critical element for achieving sustainable development in Tuvalu and beyond.

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