LAUTOKA, Fiji Islands 27th March – The Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka, Fiji, hosted over 60 participants and Pacific leaders who took part in the Anti-Corruption Consultation Workshop to unpack the Youth Vision for a Corruption Resilient 2050 Blue Pacific.
This workshop served as the culmination of the anti-corruption journey that the USPSA projects team had ventured on, with one workshop each in Samoa, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Labasa and Lautoka and one Regional Youth Seminar taking place in Port Villa Vanuatu. USPSA’s efforts in collaboration with the UNDP Pacific Office and the UK Government have aided in the successful unpacking of the Youth Vision across the Blue Pacific.
Fiji’s member of Parliament and Hon. Minister of Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr Filimoni Vosarogo, was the guest of honour during the workshop and highlighted the timeliness of the event, as he stated during his remarks, “The timeliness of today’s workshop cannot be understated, as it reflects strongly on the long yet fruitful journey that we have all undertaken on the seas of the Blue Pacific in our Vaka. You will better understand the challenges posed by corruption in the region today, where its vulnerabilities to the Pacific will be unveiled. It fills me with immense optimism knowing that USPSA, with the support of the UK Government and the UNDP Pacific office, has put together a series of workshops highlighting the numerous glaring issues pertinent in the region and beyond”.
Also gracing the event was Manager Investigations Western/North, Mr Uwate Biutanaseva, who, while addressing the youths present, said that one thing we know for sure about fighting corruption globally is that one size does not fit all.
“But by joining forces, we can share knowledge and resources and collaborate in preventing and advocating against corruption. FICAC alone cannot fight corruption. As youths, you are known to be the agents of change and the driving force making an impactful difference out there. You send out powerful messages in your public demonstrations and sheer determination to deliver strong messages of integrity and actively participate in the fight against corruption in your communities and around the country”.
Illustrating the UKV Government’s steadfast support for the Anti-Corruption Youth Movement, Mr Andrew Heseltine, Second Secretary of Regional Affairs of the British High Commission Suva, delivered his remarks via Zoom and acknowledged the importance of workshops of such nature and thanked the youths for turning out in such high numbers to unpack the youth vision.
The workshop had sessions facilitated by the USPSA Projects team, who assisted the participants in their efforts to illustrate and present their ideas on their ideal blue Pacific through their interactive sessions.
Ms. Kalolaini Ranadi Koroi a member of the United Blinds persons of FIJI (UBP) whilst taking part in the Anti-Corruption Consultation Workshop in Lautoka last week reiterated the importance of identifying the importance of Anti-Corruption in the region and highlighted the importance of the Pacific Youth Movement in eradicating Corruption in the Blue Pacific.
The workshop had participants who had traveled from as far Ba and Rakiraki.
