Lautoka, Fiji, The University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA) hosted a Talanoa session on Understanding the Role of Open Data Access as a Strategy to Counter Corruption last week.

The event was hosted at the USP Lautoka Campus, Lautoka, Fiji and supported by the International Foundation of Electoral Systems (IFES) as part of the PROJECT Governance funded via USAID.

Over 40 participants were part of the discussions with the three panelists: Amit Sami, from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Wainikiti Soqolala, Lautoka Alumni Ambassador & Member of the Advisory Committee, and Broderick Mervyn, Youth Activist and Community Practitioner. The discussions were moderated by Yash Kumar from the USPSA.

The speakers at the talanoa session discussed the connections between technology and open data access, noting that it could have tangible impacts, such as security threats and the mismanagement of information. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of young people in the Blue Pacific region speaking up in favor of open data access.

Sami highlighted that “Open data access fosters transparency and accountability, two essential values that drive anti-corruption efforts. Without these, development would not be achievable”.

Whereas Mervyn, sparked a dynamic exchange on the critical role of open data in fighting corruption, and sharing personal experiences. These real-life examples highlighted how open data can enhance transparency and accountability, making the discussions both insightful and impactful.

 Lautoka Alumni Ambassador & Member of Advisory Committee, Soqolala stressed while technology enables individuals to access their information securely online, open data initiatives like Open Banking represent a shift towards more transparency and innovation in the financial sector. Both contribute to a more dynamic and customer-friendly environment, but they must be carefully managed to ensure data privacy and security are not compromised.

Promoting good governance has been a central priority for the Pacific leaders and the regions commitment on these had been first entrenched in the Biketawa Declaration over 2 decades ago. These commitments were further strengthened in the Boe Declaration of 2018 followed by the Teieniwa Vision in 2021 (Pacific Unity Against Corruption) and most recently in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific. The 2050 Strategy more broadly details the importance of open data and its relationship with governance.

USPSA Secretary General, Mr Emosi Vakarua stated that “given the Pacific regions increasing vulnerability to climate change related disasters, open data has become more important than ever in mainstreaming climate action and promoting a coordinated and coherent response to climate change across government and society”.

Media and further enquiries: Mr Kaushal Sen, uspsa@usp.ac.fj