: ‘URS says NO to Corruption’ was the motto for November’s anti-corruption and child protection workshop in PNG, delivered to staff, key partners and Australian Government representatives. |
Managing contractor URS is adding value to the
Australian Government’s democratic governance program in Papua New Guinea (PNG)
by implementing new, innovative initiatives.
URS manages the Australian Government’s flagship democratic governance program in PNG, Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen (SPSN), which means ‘Strengthen the People, Strengthen the Nation’ in Tok Pisin. SPSN is facilitating good governance at a community level throughout PNG. The program supports the democratic governance sector, targeting poverty alleviation and promoting gender equality and social inclusion through grant support mechanisms.
URS is adding value
to the SPSN program through its management, further strengthening governance
through the implementation of new, innovative initiatives.
Such initiatives
include a comprehensive workshop delivered on 12 November for staff, project
leaders, Australian Government representatives and key partners. The workshop
included child protection training and an in-depth look into strengthening governance
through improved anti-corruption practices.
The workshop’s
child protection training was delivered by URS’ Governance Practice Leader,
Diane Barr, and SPSN’s Gender and Social Inclusion Coordinator, Erica Kukari.
They discussed with participants the need to protect children from exploitation
and abuse within the PNG context. In addition, the training aimed to raise
awareness of PNG’s Lukautim Pikinini (Child Protection) Act.
The anti-corruption
component of the workshop was led by URS’ Regional Legal Counsel for South East
Asia, Merelyn Aked. The motto ‘URS says NO to Corruption’ was used as a theme
for the day. Workshop participants looked at relevant legislation, analysed
local case studies and discussed the connection between governance and corruption.
The Operations
Manager of Transparency International PNG, Jerry Bagita, also led a session on
anti-corruption campaigns in the country, including discussions on PNG’s rating
on the 2013 Corruption Perceptions Index.
In closing the
workshop, SPSN Program Director Jeremy Syme asked participants to individually
commit to spreading the anti-corruption message widely.
‘It is important
for both Program staff and our key partners to remember that when it comes to
fraud prevention, change can be instigated and positive outcomes achieved by
individuals,’ said Jeremy. ‘We all have a role to play.’
Of the participants
surveyed, 80% agreed the workshop was very good or excellent, offering very
valuable feedback.
‘It is a step in
the right direction – creating awareness and educating partners,’ said one
participant.
The workshop formed
part of URS’ anti-corruption program, which is delivered in partnership with
Transparency International. The program is currently being implemented across
Asia Pacific, supporting staff to better identify, understand and manage the risks
of corruption. Workshops have been delivered to URS’ International Development
staff, key partners and client representatives in Indonesia, Cambodia and now
PNG.
URS has
extensive experience in implementing good governance practices in the Asia
Pacific region — from strengthening government and civil society service
delivery, to enhancing accountability, preventing fraud and facilitating civic
awareness.
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