Honiara, Solomon Islands: The global cost of corruption is staggering, with the World Economic Forum estimating it at US$3.6 trillion annually in bribes and stolen funds.

As a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) is committed to developing and upholding anti-corruption policies. These policies encourage public participation to prevent corruption at all levels and are reviewed periodically for effectiveness.

Following international best practices, the SIG launched its first National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) in 2017, endorsed by Parliament.  In June 2023, a revised NACS (2024-2027) was presented by Government in Honiara; this revision addresses shortcomings identified in the initial implementation, including limited stakeholder awareness.

The updated NACS features a detailed Action Plan (2024-2027) targeting both government and the private sector, with emphasis on community involvement. 

At the launch of the Strategy last week in Honiara, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele stated: 

"The updated version aims to address corruption not only across the Government but also the Private Sector, considering the support of the whole community."

John Kouni, Director General of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC), highlighted the revised strategy's focus on "strengthening cooperation between accountability institutions, fostering collaboration between public service bodies, civil society, and the private sector."

Corruption has long frustrated Solomon Islanders and hindered sustainable development. It diverts resources from essential services, fuels inequality, and distorts markets. By eroding the rule of law, it undermines public trust in government.

The NACS revision was made possible with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Transparency and Accountability project, funded by Government of Japan.

UNDP Resident Representative Munkhtuya Altangerel in her remarks said:

"It is our duty to empower young minds to expect good governance and reject corruption, ensuring a legacy of progress for future generations. This people first approach to anti-corruption is not only where – as a society – we should want to be, it is also where we need to be.

The UNDP project supports SIICAC and other transparency institutions in their fight against corruption and for increased transparency in Solomon Islands.

For more information or media enquiries, please contact:

Daniel C. Gonzalez , Strategic Communications Specialist, UNDP Solomon Islands Office, daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org | +677 7740 740/ +34. 65 65 65 270