A two day workshop on Integrity for Senior Government Officials started today in Apia.
The workshop hopes to inform senior Government officials of the requirements and good governance practices to help the public administration sector deliver its services in a professional and transparent manner.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi officially opened the workshop this morning and delivered the keynote address.
Tuilaepa touched on the factors that impact and influence a person’s integrity, such as good decision-making.
“The decisions you make measure your integrity,” said Tuilaepa, adding “and integrity takes courage. It’s commitment to doing what is right, no matter how difficult and challenging.
Our principles of good governance depend on our integrity and being transparent and accountable is an important part of our public service.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted societal pressures that contribute to loss of integrity, such as over-committing to church, village and family obligations.
“Your decision-making in your homes and communities go a long way to establishing your work habits, and inform the level of integrity you bring to your work.”
UNDP’s Resident Representative, Ms Lizbeth Cullity gave the welcoming address and spoke of the United Nation’s commitment to working closely with Government and non-government organisations to implement sustainable and effective anti-corruption measures.
The workshop includes discussions on integrity and development, a presentation by the Attorney General, Lemalu Hermann Ratzlaff on the role of existing governance/accountability mechanisms in Samoa to prevent corruption and promote integrity. The Central Bank of Samoa’s representative, Gafatasi Patu will give an overview of anti-money laundering mechanisms in Samoa.
Other speakers include the President of SUNGO, Roina Vavatau and Samoa Observer’s Editor, Mataafa Keni Lesa who are presenting on the role of stakeholders in raising awareness.
The workshop will further serve as an opportunity for Government officials to familiarize themselves with the implementation review mechanism of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the various international process and benefits of the convention.
The workshop is jointly conducted by the Government of Samoa, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Development Programme.
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