Leaders across the Pacific joined together to mark the sixth anniversary of the Teieniwa Vision, an initiative aimed at uniting the region against corruption. The celebration underscored the crucial role of eradicating corruption in fostering a peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous Pacific.
During the anniversary event, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa highlighted that the aspirations of the region cannot be fully realized without tackling corruption. He referred to the Teieniwa Vision as a significant milestone in the Pacific’s ongoing pursuit of good governance, transparency, and accountability.
Waqa shared that there have been notable improvements in integrity systems among member countries, advancements made even in the face of geopolitical tensions, climate change, and the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that these efforts are essential in maintaining public trust and the credibility of regional institutions.
Reiterating the Forum’s commitment, Waqa assured member states of continued support through enhanced coordination, capacity building, and rigorous monitoring and reporting mechanisms. He stated, “As the vision itself affirms, we commit to Pacific unity against corruption, recognizing that all our progress and aspirations for a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous Pacific cannot be realized unless we address corruption.”
The voice of Kiribati President Taneti Maamau was conveyed through UN Office on Drugs and Crime Pacific Head of Office Marie Pegie Cauchois, delivering a message that the Teieniwa Vision, originally signed in 2020, emerged from a collective acknowledgment of corruption as a threat to the foundations of Pacific nations and their people’s prosperity.
Maamau characterized corruption as a “rising tide” that undermines the essence of sovereign nations. He noted that the Teieniwa Vision has progressed from a mere aspiration to a dynamic framework that guides the region’s collective future. The president pointed to enhanced regional cooperation and the establishment of stronger anti-corruption frameworks, including independent integrity institutions and strengthened ombudsman offices across Pacific nations.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that the anniversary should not be viewed as a conclusion, but rather as an occasion to refresh commitments. Leaders were urged to empower integrity agencies, ensuring they are independent and well-resourced. The importance of fostering safe environments for whistleblowers and utilizing technology to enhance transparency in public procurement and financial management was also emphasized.
Maamau expressed the moral imperative of embedding integrity in leadership, ensuring that resources intended for vital services such as education, healthcare, and climate resilience effectively reach Pacific families. Both leaders affirmed the Teieniwa Vision as a lasting covenant that solidifies the region’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and unity in the Pacific Way.
This celebration of the Teieniwa Vision reflects a collective resolve to combat corruption, ultimately paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all Pacific nations.
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