Caption:Hon. Mr Laisenia Tuitubou delivers his address .Photo:SUPPLIED.
The Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou said that there is a need for a stronger network in the region to establish stronger platforms to promote integrity and preventing corruption in the Pacific.
Hon. Tuitubou made the comments while opening the Pacific Youth Forum on Corruption at the Novotel Hotel in Nadi on Sunday evening.
The youth forum which started last Sunday was organised by the United Nations Development Program in partnership with the Pacific Youth Council, funded by AusAID and attended by 40 youth representatives for 15 Pacific countries.
“This gathering of youth practitioners should provide the tools and incentives to become strong advocates of anti-corruption initiatives in the Pacific,” said Hon. Tuitubou.
“There is a need for greater and effective awareness of the impact of corruption. You are encouraged to exchange practical ideas, views and means to fighting corruption,” said the Minister.
He also highlighted the Fijian Government’s fight against corruption and in establishing the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to investigate and prosecute corruption and bribery related offences.
“I hope that we in the Pacific region can work together to establish a similar platform for our own benefit and its youth populace,” the minister told the participants.
UN Resident Representative in Fiji Ms Osnat Lubrani said; “We are glad to have youth champions like Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou in the Pacific.”
“We are looking forward to Hon. Tuitubou’s constant support in forging new pathways of youth work in the region especially in the awareness and the fight against corruption, which is vital for young people,” said Ms Lubrani.
DEPTFO