Overview:
A new regional partnership aims to strengthen investigative and anti-corruption journalism across the Pacific. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) have launched a program that will provide training, grants and resources to journalists, reinforcing the media’s role in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance throughout the region.
SUVA, 11 JUNE 2026(UNODC/PINA)—The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) signed a partnership agreement on 10 June 2026, launching a new regional initiative to strengthen anti-corruption journalism and promote transparency across the Pacific, with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
Independent media plays an important role in informing public debate and promoting accountability.
Across the Pacific, reporting on corruption and public accountability issues often requires specialized expertise, technical capacity, and dedicated resources. Strengthening anti-corruption journalism is therefore key to empowering Pacific media as a leading voice for transparency and accountability.
To support these efforts, UNODC and PINA launched the Journalism for Pacific Anti-Corruption and Transparency project. The project will strengthen the institutional capacity of PINA and the Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalists Network (PACJN), while supporting journalists across the region through technical training, grants and regional learning opportunities.
“The media plays a vital role in fostering transparency, accountability and public trust.” said Marie Pegie Cauchois, Head of Office, UNODC Pacific.
“By working together, we are helping ensure that Pacific media can continue to fulfill its role as a watchdog, holding power accountable and fostering a culture of integrity across the Blue Pacific.”
The project builds on a long-standing partnership between UNODC and PINA to strengthen reporting on integrity, accountability and governance issues in the Pacific. Since 2016, the two organisations have worked together to support journalists and media institutions across the region, including through the establishment of the PACJN in 2019. Today, PACJN continues to serve as a regional platform for advancing transparency and accountability across the Pacific.
“As journalists, our role is not only to report events, but to help citizens understand how decisions are made, how public resources are used, and why accountability matters.” said Fred Wesley, PINA Board Member.
Building on years of collaboration, the partnership opens a new chapter in supporting Pacific journalists and media institutions working on issues of corruption, accountability and governance. It will also contribute to regional efforts to advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Teieniwa Vision.
PINA Chief Executive Officer Makereta Komai welcomed the partnership and thanked UNODC and MFAT for their continued support of Pacific journalism.
“This investment demonstrates confidence in the role Pacific media plays in strengthening democratic governance and empowering citizens through access to credible and accurate information.”
The project will be implemented across the Pacific from June 2026 to March 2027…..PACNEWS