The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has joined the “I don’t accept bribes” campaign which is a joint initiative by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) project funded by the New Zealand government.
FDB chief executive officer Saud Minam acknowledged FICAC, UN-PRAC and the New Zealand government for collaborating with the bank on this important campaign.
He said while FDB had its own code of conduct and principles regarding this subject matter, it was still important for the staff to participate in such campaigns and understand the broader context of bribery.
“One of our core values is integrity. FDB exhibits the highest levels of objectivity, honesty, transparency, fairness and responsibility at all times,” said Mr Minam.
“Our code of conduct clearly outlines the ethical and professional standards for staff, which they are expected to advocate and embrace at all times.
“We regularly conduct special awareness for our staff to understand the importance of good personal and professional conduct.
“This training is an opportunity for us to further educate our staff on what bribery is, how it can be avoided and its implications on an organisation.”
During the launch of the anti-bribery campaign on Monday April 4, 2022, FICAC’s manager corruption prevention Kolora Celua said, an autonomous statutory body such as FDB had a critical role to play in preventing drainage of resources caused by corruption and bring them back to investments in important development outcomes of the Fijian economy leading to the enhancement of the quality of life for all Fijians.
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Anti-Corruption adviser, Sonja Stefanovska-Trajanoska also said their work against corruption was framed by the 2030 Agenda and the imperatives of meeting the commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Specifically, SDG 16 includes commitments to fight corruption, increase transparency, tackle illicit financial flows, and improve access to information.
“As such, this goal is critical to the entire agenda, because corruption undermines progress on all the SDGs.
“So, if bribery is not banished and if corruption is allowed to continue, we will struggle to achieve the vision of the 2030 Agenda and a better and more sustainable future for everyone, everywhere,” she said.
