Thursday, 4 December 2014

URS Strengthening Governance in Papua New Guinea

: ‘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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