On 7 August 2025, the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) of the Republic of Korea (ROK), announced the call for proposals for the new SDG Partnership Programme on Protection and Rewards Policies for Corruption & Public Interest Violation Reporters. With whistleblower protection as its latest thematic focus, the programme seeks to empower partner countries to enhance their anti-corruption frameworks by learning from Korea’s experiences.

Thematic focus: Whistleblower protection

Whistleblower protection has become a cornerstone of effective anti-corruption efforts, offering secure and people-centred mechanisms for reporting corruption. A 2024 review of USPC’s anti-corruption initiatives identified this theme as a high-impact area where the ROK’s extensive experience could inspire global reforms. Countries involved in previous SDG Partnership Programme cycles have also expressed a strong interest in learning from Korea’s successes in building effective whistleblower protection frameworks.

Global commitments underscore the significance of this theme. Article 33 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and Resolution 10/8 (2023) urge states to enhance protections for individuals reporting corruption. Furthermore, the theme aligns seamlessly with the UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029, which prioritizes accountable, rights-based governance. By advancing whistleblower protection, the programme aims to help countries mitigate integrity risks, strengthen social cohesion, and build greater trust in public institutions.

The ROK’s whistleblower protection system presents a compelling case study of how good governance frameworks can promote both normative and structural transformations that foster transparency and accountability. Before the early 2000s, Korea lacked comprehensive legal protections for whistleblowers, and the culture of reporting internal wrongdoings was not widely embraced. However, the number of regulatory and institutional frameworks has expanded over the past two decades, strengthening both protections and rewards for whistleblowers who report corruption and violations of public interest. Importantly, these frameworks integrate legal safeguards with digital technology and adopt a whole-of-society approach, aligning with global anti-corruption standards.

SDG Partnership Programme webinar

USPC and ACRC launched the new programme with a webinar, bringing together more than 30 UNDP Country Offices from diverse regions. During the session, the ROK’s whistleblower protection system was introduced alongside details of the SDG Partnership Programme’s support mechanisms. The webinar also included an interactive Q&A segment, fostering rich discussions and helping interested COs refine their proposals.

In her opening remarks, Anne Juepner, Director of USPC, emphasized “...by protecting whistleblowers, we are not protecting individuals. We are protecting societies from corruption, the integrity of public resources, and the promise of the 2030 Agenda”. Anga Timilsina, Global Programme Advisor on Anti-Corruption at UNDP, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of whistleblower protection and highlighting the timeliness of the SDG Partnership’s new thematic focus, which aligns closely with UNDP’s global agenda and Strategic Plan.

Hongjin Kim, Director of the International Relations division of ACRC, also stressed the “critical role of the protection system for whistleblowers in eradicating corruption.” He expressed hope that the ROK’s experience in developing and implementing a comprehensive, whole-of-government and societal approach would serve as valuable lessons and inspiration for partner countries seeking to establish similar systems.  

The webinar served as a valuable knowledge-sharing opportunity for countries looking to establish or strengthen their own anti-corruption frameworks and interested in exchanges with ACRC regarding whistleblower protection.

Next Steps

USPC and ACRC will jointly review proposals submitted by UNDP COs and select two to three partner countries for the new SDG Partnership Programme.  

Over the course of the next 12 months, these selected countries will have the unique opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer exchanges with the ACRC. Countries will gain valuable insights into the evolution of Korea’s whistleblower protection system, including key policies, implementation strategies, and lessons learned along the way.  

In addition, selected Country Offices will receive seed funding to adapt and implement these practices within their national contexts, fostering stronger anti-corruption systems and driving sustainable, catalytic impact.

**UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC) shares Korea’s tested-and-proven policy tools with other countries through SDG Partnerships. SDG Partnerships provide a combination of support, including partnership development with Korean institutions, seed funding, technical assistance, and policy advisory services. It utilizes UNDP’s global network of country offices and the policy expertise and know-how of partner organizations.