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Speeches

International Anti Corruption Day 2024

Posted by Media Team 11 December 2024

Salutations
  • I begin by saying Vakaturaga saka ki Nadonumai, vanua saka Gone Turaga na Roko Tui Suva kei ira na kena mata veitacini vuvale dravata
  • Stakeholders
  • FICAC Family Members
  • Members of the Media
  • Ladies and Gentlemen
Bula Vinaka and a very Good Morning to you all.

We have convened to commemorate the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day in Fiji, an occasion that prompts us to highlighting the importance of anti-corruption and the role everyone plays in fighting it.

Corruption can undermine democratic institutions and reduce trust in governance systems. Corruption is a parasite and a blight, it consumes a society's resources, undermines its systems, and ultimately jeopardizes its overall well-being; in this instance, it devastates our country and compromises the future of our children by obstructing nation-building and economic development.

It can also jeopardize progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The theme for this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day is “Support FICAC To Fight Corruption, Promote Transparency and Uphold Integrity in Whole of Government and Society.”

The campaign against corruption requires your support, and I am pleased to see the individuals and stakeholders assembled here this morning to endorse our cause.

We truly appreciate your presence with us on this journey to eradicating corruption.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) plays a pivotal role in upholding the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, directly aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

I assure the public that FICAC will continue to persist in executing its responsibilities as outlined in the FICAC Act in safeguarding our citizens from corruption through investigation and prosecution and most importantly, educating the public.

We plead with the people and our stakeholders to work with us and report any corruption-related activity to FICAC.

Together, we must foster integrity, transparency, and accountability to achieve zero tolerance for corruption and guarantees sustainable development for all inhabitants of our beloved Fiji.

The campaign against corruption requires your support, and I am pleased to see the individuals assembled here this morning to endorse our cause, in particular, our students from the three prominent tertiary institutions in the country, the University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University, and the University of Fiji who have joined us this morning.

Young people have dreams and aspirations but they are also significantly affected by corruption.

Our youths have the potential to become powerful agents in the fight for a future rooted in integrity.

By promoting integrity and ethical behaviour, young people can drive meaningful change.

Additionally they can develop innovative solutions to address corruption on a global scale.

Tech savvy youth can leverage technologies such as social media, online platforms and Artificial Intelligence or AI to enhance transparency and increase access to information.

Speaking of AI, it is my honour to announce the launch of the FICAC song, lyrics written by AI and our team at the Media & Visual Communication Unit.

This innovative approach reflects FICAC commitment in staying ahead of the curve and harnessing new technologies to fight corruption more effectively.

The “Support FICAC” song was created using AI, specifically through the Suno music production app and Vizzy for generating visual sound waves.

After several revisions and feedback from FICAC officers, the final song was edited offline, with additional elements like the FICAC theme incorporated.

Therefore, let us in Fiji unite against corruption and strive for a more promising future for everyone.

FICAC will safeguard you and the Fiji we collectively aspire to achieve.

Remember, building a just world and a sustainable planet is only possible if corruption doesn’t stand in the way.

United, we can combat corruption.

Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu dhanyavaad.