Suva, Fiji – The Pacific Anti-Corruption Project, in cooperation with the Joint United Nations Peacebuilding Fund’s Strengthening Social Cohesion Pathways, Human Rights and Women’s Civic Participation project and with support from Transparency International, successfully conducted a series of focus group discussions to better understand public perceptions of corruption across Fiji. 

The initiative engaged a diverse range of stakeholders, including youth, women, private sector representatives, and media professionals.

Corruption remains a significant challenge in Fiji, affecting sustainable development, governance, and public trust in institutions. Strengthening national integrity systems requires not only institutional reform but also a deeper understanding of how corruption is perceived and experienced across Fijian society. This initiative complements ongoing efforts by gathering qualitative insights directly from those most affected by corruption.

The focus group discussions provided safe, inclusive, and constructive spaces for dialogue. Participants explored how corruption is experienced, identified sectors and practices most vulnerable to misconduct, and proposed community-driven solutions to promote accountability and transparency. 

Discussions with youth leaders highlighted the impact of corruption on education, employment opportunities, and trust in public institutions. Women participants shared how corruption affects households, access to social services, business opportunities, and their ability to participate in governance. The private sector reflected on ethical business practices, challenges faced in operating with integrity, and the importance of collaboration with public institutions. Media professionals’ representatives provided perspectives on monitoring, reporting, and enforcing standards of accountability.

The findings will support the design of targeted anti-corruption strategies and policies that are responsive to the perspectives and needs of Fijians, fostering greater civic engagement and social cohesion.

The data and insights gathered from the focus groups will contribute to broader efforts to promote integrity, good governance, and accountability in Fiji. They will inform policy and programming, helping to ensure that future anti-corruption initiatives are practical, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of everyday life across the country.

“Understanding people’s lived experiences with corruption is essential to building effective solutions. These focus group discussions not only give voice to diverse perspectives across Fiji but also help ensure that anti-corruption strategies are rooted in the realities faced by communities every day”, said Rustam Pulatov, Team Leader Effective Governance, UNDP Pacific Office. 

The Anti-Corruption Project is a UNDP initiative funded by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and seeks to strengthen whole-of-society commitment to addressing corruption through increased support from officials, communities and civil society for tackling corruption and by strengthening national policy frameworks, institutions, processes and capacities to prevent and address the effects of corruption across multiple sectors. 

For more information please contact:

Nick Turner | Strategic Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships Specialist | nicholas.turner@undp.org