By Everest Hala

Tonga's Public Service Commission (PSC) alongside anti-corruption experts has begun work on developing a national "gift" policy aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability across the public sector while recognising the country's cultural traditions of gift-giving. 

A two-day workshop involving 35 participants from 27 government ministries and departments, opened at His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) base in Nuku’alofa today.

The workshop brings together public servants, government leaders and international anti-corruption experts to draft a policy that understands Tonga's cultural values.

PSC chairwoman Tai'atu 'Ata'ata said the initiative stemmed from discussions at a Pacific public service leadership meeting in Suva last year, where integrity and gift-giving practices were identified as key governance challenges across the region.

She said Tonga's approach to gift-giving was broad and deeply connected to cultural values, but required clear guidelines to ensure public servants could maintain public trust.

"We are taking the long way. The PSC could have taken the short-cut and drafted an in-house policy, but we want to involve everyone," she said.

Tai’atu encouraged frank and open discussions during the workshop to help shape a practical and effective policy.

Attorney-General Linda Folaumoetu'i, the guest of honour, said a clear gift policy was essential to ensuring public servants remained fair and impartial in their decision-making.

She said the policy was not simply about creating rules but providing guidance and protection for government employees faced with difficult situations.

"Gift-giving is deeply rooted in our culture and is often intended to show respect, gratitude or maintain relationships," Folaumoetu'i said.

"However, in public service, even well-intended gifts can create perceptions that are difficult to manage and can lead to abuse and fraudulent intentions."

She said the workshop's objective was to ensure public servants upheld the principles of good governance and maintained public confidence in government institutions.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) regional director Marie Cauchois said corruption remained a significant obstacle to development and that public trust was directly linked to integrity.

While acknowledging the importance of gift-giving in Tongan culture, she warned gifts within the public sector could create perceptions of undue influence, favouritism and conflicts of interest.

"I will be bringing in my best ideas and practices, but it will be your document that will respond to your needs and cultural considerations," Ms Cauchois said.

The workshop forms part of a collaboration between the PSC and UNODC to develop a Gift Policy Template aligned with Tonga's anti-corruption commitments and the Teieniwa Vision, the Pacific region's anti-corruption framework.

Participants are expected to produce a draft policy covering gift acceptance, disclosure requirements, reporting mechanisms, ethical standards and enforcement measures. The policy may also explore public-facing digital reporting systems and mandatory surrender of gifts above designated value thresholds.

The initiative is designed to ensure Tonga's public service remains ethical, accountable and resistant to corruption while respecting the country's cultural traditions.