Transparency and Accountability in Government for the Indo-Pacific

“As a columnist, I will continue researching and writing opinions to raise awareness of government accountability and transparency...[In addition], I will explore opportunities with IVLP and develop projects. I will also strive to apply the gained knowledge in my professional fields and network with the like-minded organizations I met during the virtual IVLP.”

 

 

In March 2021, a group of nine participants from various countries in the Indo-Pacific attended a virtual project focused on Transparency and Accountability in Government. Participants represented broad sectors including government, NGOs, and media. During their three-week project, they met with federal and local government officials, NGO watchdog groups, and representatives from local media.

First, they received a broad perspective on combating corrupt and illicit finance from a representative of Transparency International. Next, they discussed the work of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics in monitoring the behavior of Executive Branch employees. A panel discussion followed with various NGO watchdog groups, which proved to be a major highlight of the project. Staff from Accountability Lab, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the Government Accountability Project, and the Center for International Private Enterprise came together for a lively examination of their strategies for monitoring government activities and protecting consumer interests. Participants then had the chance to explore whistleblower protection laws with representatives of the National Whistleblower Center.

After the virtual Washington, DC experience, the group had meetings with representatives from Pensacola, Florida and Detroit, Michigan. In Pensacola, they were welcomed as honorary citizens of the city and learned about Florida Sunshine Laws and the local media’s impact on exposing government scandals.

In Detroit, participants held a case study of the scandal case of former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. They met with local media and prosecutors to explore how the case was uncovered and investigated. Overall, this IVLP experienced was a short but worthwhile experience. Upon completion, one of the participants stated how, “As a columnist, I will continue researching and writing opinions to raise awareness of government accountability and transparency...[In addition], I will explore opportunities with IVLP and develop projects. I will also strive to apply the gained knowledge in my professional fields and network with the like-minded organizations I met during the virtual IVLP.”

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