Suva, Fiji – As the world celebrates Anti-Corruption Day, citizens across the Pacific have a new collection of stories that show how public money is more than numbers—it is about transparency, trust, and getting things done for people and communities.

The stories are published in the Public Finance Human‑Interest Stories Volume 3 booklet (link below) was launched in Suva today under the Vaka Pasifika Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

This latest volume captures real experiences from across the Pacific, showing how public finance decisions shape access to health services, strengthen agriculture and food security, support sports and youth development, deliver safe water to communities, and build resilience against climate change.

Produced under a new mentorship model, senior journalists from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Fiji, and Palau guided emerging writers to translate complex budget issues into relatable, citizen‑centred narratives. Since 2023, the Vaka Pasifika Project has worked with journalists from 10 Pacific Island Countries, on the production of over 20 human‑interest stories and expanded a regional media network in partnership with the Pacific Islands News Association.

Building on findings from UNDP’s 2022 media analysis, which highlighted both strong public interest in finance stories and the challenges of limited training and access to data, the Vaka Pasifika Project has worked alongside media partners to co‑create solutions. 

The launch event coincided with International Anti‑Corruption Day, reinforcing the bigger picture: transparency and accountability are essential for strong institutions, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.

The European Union’s long‑term commitment to governance and citizen engagement is reflected in its support for the Vaka Pasifika Media Mentorship Programme. As a key donor, the EU continues to champion transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of public institutions — recognising these as essential foundations for building trust, upholding the rule of law, and achieving fair development outcomes. The EU actively promotes partnerships with Pacific countries to combat corruption, improve oversight, and ensure governments deliver public services effectively. Through the Global Gateway, the EU is helping Pacific partners unlock sustainable investments that reinforce transparency and ensure public money truly works for people, advancing inclusive governance and supporting initiatives like Vaka Pasifika.

As one of the Vaka Pasifika Media Mentorship cohort members and a mentor based in Vanuatu, journalist Josepheen Tarianga underscored the vital role of the media in strengthening governance:

" Our work keeps conversations alive until duty bearers recognise the urgency of change. Whether through watchdog reporting, human-interest stories, or uncovering where public money truly goes, our responsibility is to shine a light on what is happening. In doing so, we ensure public funds are used properly and that those entrusted with them remain accountable."

UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel added that the launch was a reminder of how citizen‑centred storytelling strengthens trust in governance:

“Public finance touches every aspect of daily life, from health to agriculture, sports, water, and climate resilience. When citizens see themselves in these stories, accountability becomes real.” 

Executive Director of the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs, Emeline Siale Ilolahia, noted the role of civil society in strengthening public finance management:

“Civil society is the bridge between people and policy. Through Vaka Pasifika, whether through digital tools like the E‑Budget portal or inclusive citizen budget guides, our role is to ensure that public money truly works for people. By collaborating with UNDP and journalists, we create the feedback loops that build trust, resilience, and responsive governance across the Pacific.”

By sharing these stories, Volume 3 shows how accountable public spending supports fair opportunities, stronger communities, and a safer future—values at the heart of the global Sustainable Development Goals.

Link to publication: https://www.undp.org/pacific/publications/public-finance-management-human-interest-stories-pacific-2025 

For more information, please contact:

Sofaia Koroitanoa | UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | Vaka Pasifika Communications Specialist | sofaia.koroitanoa@undp.org