Japan, UNDP committed to fighting currption in Solomon Islands
UNDP & Japan has sealed an agreement to Strengthen National Capacities in Government against corruption.
The agreement formalized a SBD$14 million funding support for the Strengthening National Capacities to Combat Corruption Project in Solomon Islands.
The agreement aims to establish institutional framework and national capacity to prevent and fight corruption at both the national and provincial levels in the country.
The Japanese government supports the Government of Solomon Islands in its determination to fight corruption and reduce its negative impact on the well-being of the people of Solomon Islands through strengthening the relevant legal and institutional frameworks of the integrity institutions.
Japanese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Morimoto Yasuhiro expressed his appreciation to UNDP for its continuous assistance in tackling such a critical and a broad issue, as corruption.
“Establishing a partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and UNDP Solomon Islands gave us the confidence to face this complicated issue,” Mr Morimoto stated.
Mr. Morimoto is optimistic that the Japan funding would bring about a bright and prosperous future in society, with good leadership of the Solomon Islands government.
Meanwhile, UNDP Country Manager (a.i.) Ms. Olga Rábade emphasized the importance of this partnership.
“Corruption involves complex social, political and economic phenomena and affects all countries. It undermines democratic institutions, slows down economic development and contributes to governmental instability. The fight against corruption requires vigorous measures and strong cooperation.”
Thanking the Government of Japan for their generous support, Ms. Rábade, further stressed UNDP’s continuous work at strengthening anti-corruption institutions and systems, supporting the implementation of UNCAC, identifying and preventing corruption risks through the collective actions of government, civil society and the private sector in fighting corruption, as essential measures for the achievement of just, peaceful and inclusive societies as referred in SDG 16.
Deputy Secretary of the Prime Minister, Dr. Derick Mane highlighting the contentment of the Government to this support.
“The Government is committed to partnership with all stakeholders to holistically weed corruption in all sectors.”
The project is an integral part of the larger Transparency and Accountability for the People of Solomon Islands Program (TAP) introduced in 2018 by the Government of Solomon Islands and UNDP.
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