Overview:
Palau has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability on the global stage, highlighting the media’s role and a new national anti-corruption strategy during the United Nations Convention Against Corruption conference in Doha, Qatar.
By: L.N. Reklai
DOHA, Qatar — “Strengthening collaboration among government, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, the private sector and the media is critical to building a resilient and accountable nation,” Palau told the international community this week as it outlined its expanding efforts to combat corruption at home and abroad.
The statement was delivered by Shelley Remengesau, chief of the Division of U.S., North, Central and South America Affairs at Palau’s Ministry of State, during the 11th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), held from Dec. 15–19 in Doha.
Remengesau said Palau has made notable progress in strengthening transparency and accountability, led by the Office of the Attorney General, which serves as Palau’s UNCAC focal point. The office is currently developing the country’s first National Anti-Corruption Strategy, drawing on extensive consultations with stakeholders to ensure the framework aligns with international standards while reflecting Palau’s national priorities and cultural values.
Palau’s anti-corruption architecture also includes the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Office of the Public Auditor, both of which support accountability through confidential reporting mechanisms. Financial oversight is reinforced by the Financial Institutions Commission and the Financial Intelligence Unit, which regulate financial activities and work to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
In highlighting the role of non-government institutions, Palau pointed to the Palau Media Council as a key partner in responsibly reporting on corruption-related issues, helping ensure public awareness and transparency. The Ethics Commission was also cited for its role in addressing misconduct in the public sector and promoting ethical standards across all branches of government.
Remengesau acknowledged the importance of international cooperation, thanking regional and global partners for their technical and institutional support. Assistance from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism, she said, has been instrumental in shaping Palau’s national strategy and strengthening its capacity to prevent, detect and address corruption.
The statement also highlighted security-related reforms, including the establishment of Palau’s National Security Coordination Office in 2021 and the country’s membership in INTERPOL in 2023. Through INTERPOL’s I-24/7 communication network, Palau now has improved access to secure, real-time law enforcement information, enhancing its ability to investigate corruption and transnational crimes.
While recognizing these advances, Palau stressed that corruption and related crimes remain complex challenges that require sustained national, regional and international cooperation. Remengesau emphasized that success ultimately depends on a whole-of-society approach, with the media playing a critical role in strengthening accountability and public trust.
“By working together—within our nation, across the Pacific and internationally—we can build stronger institutions, protect our communities, and ensure a secure and sustainable future for all our people,” she said. (Source: UNODC)