International Development Group (IDG) implemented the USG Assistance to the Pacific Island Countries under IPOP. IDG strengthened Public Financial Management (PFM) capabilities in Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Solomon Islands, through improving transparency and accountability and strengthening government economic and financial management systems. IDG conducted a gap assessment to identify priority interventions in PFM. The assessment revealed the need to strengthen audit functions in all three countries and the parliamentary review process. The assessment also revealed weaknesses in civil society’s engagement in budget development, monitoring, and review processes, particularly in accountability around the results of spending due to the lack of transparency in government processes. In partnership with The PNG Department of Finance and the Soloman Islands Office of the Auditor General, IDG mapped key stakeholders and developed a strategic plan to strengthen audit practices in the Pacific Islands region.
Based on the Gap Assessment and the co-creation workshops, IPOP identified the need to strengthen audit departments’ functions, processes, and procedures surrounding emergency spending during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dialogue with counterparts in Fiji, PNG, and the Solomon Islands showed a clear niche for IPOP’s engagement to support the restoration of audit functions and their support for parliamentary review processes. The project also identified gaps limiting civil society engagement in budget development, monitoring, and review processes, particularly engagement and accountability around the results of spending due to a current lack of transparency in government processes. IPOP initiated audit-focused activities in all three countries.
Achievements
- Strengthened Fiji’s Fiscal Transparency: IDG reviewed Fiji’s fiscal framework, a high priority for the incoming government, to assess weaknesses and gaps and to strengthen the framework to guard against future attempts to erode accountability and transparency. Recommendations were provided based on conducted Gap Assessments.
- Updated PNG’s Financial Management Manual: The PNG Department of Finance’s (DOF) Financial Management Manual required updating after significant changes to key legislation and the introduction of the Non-Tax Revenue Act in 2022. As a result of IDG’s work, the DOF now has an updated Manual, including the online version, and improved staff training.
- Support the Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to Undertake Stage I Review of the Economic Stimulus Package: The project supported the government develop a two-year work program to complete the Economic Stimulus Package Audit. Developed OAG staff capacity to conduct an audit of the 2023 Pacific Games and support the review and updating of the Audit Law to ensure alignment with international standards.
