UNDP holds a training on anti-corruption policies and plans of action

On 29 April 2024, UNDP organized a training on developing, implementing, and evaluating national anti-corruption policies and action plans for key developers and implementers of the Papua New Guinea National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the National Ant-Corruption Plan of Action.

April 30, 2024

Over 30 officials from key developers and implementers of the Papua New Guinea National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the National Ant-Corruption Plan of Action attended the training.

Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea

The training was held in Port Moresby as part of the European Union-funded ‘Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea’ Project (PNG Anti-Corruption Project), implemented by UNDP an UNODC.

Over 30 key officials from Life Care PNG, Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, Department of Justice & Attorney General, Transparency International PNG, Public Services Commission PNG and Bank of Papua New Guinea, attended the training.

‘’This training is focused on international standards related to the development, implementation and monitoring of National Anti-Corruption Strategies and related action plans. The participants will discuss the importance of the inclusion of different stakeholders in this important process, including the Government, private sector and civil society organizations,’’ stated UNDP Chief Technical Advisor on Anti-Corruption, Dr. Alma Sedlar, on the aims of training.

UNDP Chief Technical Advisor on Anti-Corruption, Dr. Alma Sedlar, during her remarks.

Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea

During his opening remarks, the Acting Director of the Governance Branch of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (PMNEC), Jeffrey Murley, stated that the PMNEC is fully supportive of the work of UNDP and the European Union in addressing corruption in the country. Mr. Murley encouraged participants to take full advantage of the workshop.

“That training will be very beneficial for us, especially in terms of strengthening institutions, formulating strategies, developing action plans, and establishing anti-corruption policies,’’ he added.

The Acting Director of the Governance Branch of PMNEC, Jeffrey Murley, addressing the participants.

Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea

Through the sessions, the participants were expected to gain a thorough understanding of the characteristics of effective anti-corruption policies and plans of action and the consequences of ineffective implementation of national anti-corruption strategies and action plans.

‘’I think it is very timely for us to reflect upon the importance of the National Plan of Action 2020 – 2025 (NACPA). It is an incredibly vital document, and a very significant anti-corruption action plan for the country. From ICAC's perspective, we will be working with several agencies to see how best we can implement NACPA. Therefore, this training will be essential for us to gain your feedback and will help us to determine the best way forward,’’ stated Commissioner Andrew Forbes from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Commissioner Andrew Forbes from the Independent Commission Against Corruption attended the training.

Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea

"It is crucial that national efforts to take action against corruption are aligned and coordinated. The National Anti-Corruption Plan of Action enables all actors, including civil society, to contribute towards strengthening national integrity systems. When fully implemented, the Plan of Action will not only measure progress, but more importantly, identify areas where anti-corruption efforts can be optimized and improved, in line with the national development agenda," added Ms. Arianne Kassman, the Chief Executive Officer of Transparency International PNG.

The training was organized by UNDP through the EU-funded PNG Anti-Corruption Project, implemented by UNDP and UNODC.