On Tuesday, July 17th, 2024, a pivotal workshop organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) was held in Buka. This event was centered around the theme of anti-corruption and highlighted the essential contributions of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in this critical area, the workshop was facilitated by Dr. Almar Sedler the Chief Technical Advisor (Anti-Corruption) from UNDP who guided participants through various aspects of combating corruption as outlined in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNAC).
The workshop began with an overview of international standards related to anti-corruption, emphasizing the importance of UNCAC. Dr. Sedlar highlighted that UNCAC serves as a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting integrity and accountability across nations. She underscored that CSOs play a crucial role in this framework by acting as watchdogs and advocates for transparency.
The EU funded transparency and accountability in PNG project (TAP in PNG Project) implemented by UNDP aims to contribute to the enhancing capacities of local civil society organizations and independent actors to demand integrity, transparency and accountability (ITA) systems and practices at the national and pilot subnational level in Autonomous Region of Bougainville in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16 and 5. The Anti- Corruption project target groups are Civil Societies Organizations, Women Organizations, Youths, Journalists and active citizens. The project is jointly funded by UNDP and UNODU.
Representatives from the Bougainville Women’s Federation (BWF) were present. The delegation included Mrs. Helen Suimana, President (North); Ms Nancy Warkia (BWF Executive Officer), Ms Joan Jerome (Central Rep), Ms Lissandra Wongoto(Admin Officer) along with three young women representatives. Their participation underscores the importance of women’s voices in discussions around transparency and accountability initiatives.
Currently, there is no overarching central Civil Society Organization (CSO) in Bougainville that can effectively coordinate all CSOs to create a unified watchdog aimed at combating corruption. This gap highlights the need for a more structured approach to address corruption issues within the region.
The first session involving various CSOs has taken place, with plans for another session scheduled for September. During these sessions, participants will deliberate on a draft Bougainville Anti-Corruption Framework specifically designed for CSOs. This framework aims to establish clear guidelines and strategies for tackling corruption collaboratively. There is a significant call for CSOs to unite and form an anti-corruption watchdog committee. This collective effort is seen as essential in creating a robust mechanism to monitor and combat corrupt practices effectively.
Participants from various demographics, including youth, women, and men, expressed their support for the Bougainville Women’s Federation (BWF) to take on the role of facilitating this anti-corruption initiative. Their involvement is crucial in ensuring that all CSOs come together to form a cohesive anti-corruption committee.
It is imperative for Bougainville to recognize how corruption has adversely affected Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a whole. By learning from these past mistakes, Bougainville can adapt its strategies and embrace best standards and practices that have proven effective elsewhere. Participants from BWF indicated their intention to bring forward recommendations to the BWF Executive Committee (EC). They aim to initiate discussions on forming a CSO watchdog with assistance from UNDP (United Nations Development Program). Vice President Helen has expressed her full support for this initiative, indicating high-level backing for the proposed actions.
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