UNDP hosts a training on Anti-Fraud, Anti-Corruption and Whistleblower Protection Policy for the Department of Prime Minister And National Executive Council

On 6-7 May 2024, UNDP joined the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (PMNEC) in co-facilitating a training on Anti-Fraud, Anti-Corruption and Whistleblower Protection (AAWP) Policy for officials of PMNEC in Port Moresby.

May 14, 2024

Over 40 officials from PMNEC participated in the training.

Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea

Over 40 representatives from the different offices of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Department participated in the training held under the European Union -funded PNG Anti-Corruption Project, implemented by UNDP and UNODC.

The two-day training on raising the participants knowledge of the basic elements and features of the policy, which PMNEC adopted in August 2023 to safeguard good governance and financial viability through improved management of the risks of fraud and corruption within the department. The participants also learned about best practices for detecting forms of fraud and corruption, and creating an enabling environment for whistleblowers.

UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth, addressing the participants.

Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea

In his opening remarks to the participants, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth, stressed the need for more robust anti-corruption instruments in Papua New Guinea. ‘’We can't combat corruption without effective policies in every public service department that reflect on where the risks of corruption exist, what policies we need to prevent it, and help people be safe when they call out corruption when they see it,’’ he said.

The Deputy Secretary of PMNEC, Mr. Joshua Uvau, attended the training.

Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea

The Deputy Secretary of PMNEC, Joshua Uvau, MBE, highlighted that the AAWP policy does not aim to only enhance good governance and ethical practices within the PMNEC, but across all public service departments. ‘’Everyone of us present here must be serious about addressing corruption at all levels. This training is essential as it will equip us with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively utilize the AAWP Policy,’’ he said.

‘’This training is a part of the EU PNG Partnership for Good Governance, which is a collaboration between the European Union and the Government of Papua New Guinea to support initiatives that promote good governance and the rule of law. I think it's very important to have a policy to prevent corruption and protect the whistleblowers and would like to commend the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council for being one of the first institutions in Papua New Guinea in developing this kind of policy,’’ added the Mrs. Isabella Ferrari, a Program Manager from the European Union Delegation to Papua New Guinea.

After the completing the training for PMNEC officials on 6-7 May 2024, UNDP hosted the same training for over 70 officials from all other public sector departments in the country on 8-9 May 2024.