Koror, Palau — The launch of a landmark study on accountability in Palau sparked a strong call from participants to deepen public dialogue and community-led engagement.
Voices from across society, including elected Congress representatives, traditional leaders, civil society, and public officials from the Office of the Public Auditor, Office of the Special Prosecutor, Bureau of Domestic Affairs, emphasized the need to sustain momentum through inclusive, culturally grounded conversations. The study shows how trust in public institutions grows when formal systems such as laws, audits and open data work alongside the country’s living traditions of leadership, care and mutual responsibility.
The European Union generous support of 6million Euros to the UN Development Programme (UNDP)’s Vaka Pasifika project enabled the publication of the Palau Accountability Ecosystem – Political Economy Analysis, authored by Bernie Ngiralmau and Aidan Craney in partnership with La Trobe University.
The launch was made possible through the collaboration with the Belau Association of NGOs (BANGO) which is the umbrella CSO organisation in Palau and a member of the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO) network.
Women’s Leadership and people-centred accountability mechanisms
The report draws on voices from traditional leaders, elected officials, women’s and youth groups, churches, civil society and community advocates. Women’s role and potential were at the heart of the public debate during the launch, with participants highlighting how traditional structures already support strong female leadership. The report showcases how organisations like Ngara Maiberel have led culturally grounded advocacy and calls for concrete platforms beyond Women’s Conferences to sustain and expand women’s leadership in social accountability.
Presenters highlighted the need to place people at the centre of accountability designs in Palau.
Editor of the largest newspaper in Palau Tia Belau Kambes Kesolei, stated, “Accountability requires informed citizens. Transparency starts at home, then to the community, and finally to decision-making.”
Speaking on behalf of BANGO, Secretary Sally Techitong emphasized, ‘Accountability is about and to our people, whether it’s SDGs, GBV, or human rights.
Local Ownership and Diverse Participation
Feedback from participants underscored full ownership of the research, with many testifying that the report accurately captured the discussions held in focus groups. The launch event brought together a diverse mix of voices, including members of Congress, the Office of the Public Auditor, journalists, civil society organisations, and traditional chiefs, creating a dynamic and inclusive space for dialogue.
Participants described the event as “educational and motivational for building up stewardship at community level” and “very insightful and constructive; a strong start to the conversation which needs to keep going.”
“This morning is about listening deeply,” said UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the North Pacific Gulbahor Nematova. “Accountability is not only about relationships, but also about services, trust in institutions, and their capacity to deliver. It is cultural. It is personal. It is part of daily life.”
What’s Coming Next (with Government and Civil Society Partners)
The support of the European Union is enabling UNDP Vaka Pasifika project to build on the discussions through multiple steams of work:
• An Audit Recommendation Tracking Tool piloted by the Office of the Public Auditor to make follow-up on audit recommendations easier to track and understand. “Citizens should have access to this. It’s a vital accountability mechanism.” Public Auditor Satrunino Tewid, emphasized.
• Civic dialogue spaces that help women, youth, and community groups engage confidently with the national budget thanks to the Belau Association of NGOs publication of a Citizen Budget Guide.
The launch, held in Palauan vernacular, marks a practical step toward pairing Palauan tradition with transparent delivery, strengthening trust across government and community.
For more information, please contact:
Sofaia Koroitanoa | UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | Vaka Pasifika Communications Specialist | sofaia.koroitanoa@undp.org
