The first online course and resources to strengthen the knowledge of the right to information (RTI) in the Pacific have been made available by the University of the South Pacific (USP).
The RTI e-course was launched and introduced to the public on Tuesday last week.
This marked a significant milestone in the anti-corruption efforts in the education sector at the regional level supported under the Pacific Anti-Corruption Project, which was implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Government of the United Kingdom.
The RTI e-course would enable USP students and everyone to register for an easy-to-access course and gain in-depth knowledge of RTI and its importance in the Pacific and beyond.
USP deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (Education) Prof Jito Vanualailai said the online RTI course had a potential to serve the long-term purpose of continued education and awareness raising among the Pacific students, inspiring them to further research, promote, and exercise RTI, as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption.
“The RTI is an essential component of democracy, enabling citizens to hold their governments transparent and accountable to combat corruption,” he said.
“It also enables businesses and investors to make well-informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information about market conditions, regulations, and government policies.”
British High Commissioner to Fiji Dr Brian Jones said this innovative tool would allow students from across the region to gain access to right to information knowledge gathered over the implementation of the Pacific Anti-Corruption Project.
“Access to information empowers people to build a transparent and accountable Blue Pacific,” he said.
“We are delighted to see this progress through our partnership with USP and UNDP, which was built on the common ambition of strengthening RTI and anti-corruption efforts in the region.”
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Deputy Resident Representative Yemesrach Workie said they recognised the importance of education and the force of academia and youth to drive and sustain the RTI agenda as part of the broader anti-corruption agenda.
“We commend the ambitions of the RTI e-course, promoting the critical role of RTI in increasing government transparency and accountability, and combating corruption, which helps build trust between citizens and their government, promoting openness and honesty, which leads to increased public confidence in democratic institutions,” she said.
