Inaugural Regional Meeting of Ministers for Energy, Information and Communication Technology (Ict) and Transport

ISSN : 0377-452X

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT

4–8 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia

REPORT OF MEETING

Secretariat of the Pacific Community 2011 © Copyright Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) 2011

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Original text: English

Secretariat of the Pacific Community Cataloguing-in-publication data

Inaugural regional meeting of ministers for energy, information and communication technology (ICT) and transport: Report of meeting (Noumea, New Caledonia, 4–8 April 2011) / Secretariat of the Pacific Community

1. Force and energy — Oceania. 2. Information technology — Oceania. 3. Communication in economic development – Oceania. 4. Transportation — Oceania.

I. Title II. Secretariat of the Pacific Community

303.483 0995 AACR2

ISBN: 978-982-00-0509-9 INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL

2 INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY,INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT 4

OPENING PLENARY OF REGIONAL ENERGY, ICT AND TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING 5 INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011

PACIFIC REGIONAL TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING 6

PACIFIC REGIONAL ICT MINISTERS MEETING 11

PACIFIC REGIONAL ENERGY MINISTERS MEETING 12

SMALL ISLAND STATES REGIONAL ENERGY, ICT AND TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING 16

COMBINED PLENARY OF REGIONAL ENERGY, ICT AND TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING 18

CLOSING PLENARY OF REGIONAL ENERGY, ICT AND TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING 20

ANNEXES 29

Annex 1 – Provisional agenda 30

Annex 2 – Participants’ list 36

Annex 3 – Official address of Dr. Jimmie Rodgers 52

Annex 4 – Opening statement of Mr. Feleti Teo 58

Annex 5 – Opening speech of Mr. John Hogan 61

Annex 6 – Pacific Regional ICT Officials Meeting Outcome 63 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE

3 Participants of the Inaugural Regional Meeting of Ministers For Energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Transport April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT

(4–8 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia)

The inaugural joint meeting of Pacific Ministers for Energy, ICT and Transport was held at the Jacques Iékawé Conference Centre at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community's (SPC) headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia, from 4 to 8 April 2011. It was attended by Ministers and/or Secretaries, Directors and senior officials from the ministries/departments of Energy, ICT and Transport of American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, France, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Pitcairn Islands, Tokelau and the United States of America did not send representatives to the meeting. The meeting was also attended by key regional and international agencies and development partners.

The inaugural joint meeting of ministers responsible for three key economic sectors in Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) was seen as the first of the benefits of three regional reform processes that called for the pooling of resources, rationalisation of regional mechanisms and streamlining of regionally delivered services to PICTs – the Pacific Plan for increasing regional collaboration and integration, the reform of the regional institutional framework, and SPC’s own organisational reforms and restructure.

The meeting was organised by SPC's Economic Development Division, a technical division established in January 2010 to deliver assistance to the energy, ICT and transport sectors in the Pacific. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL Prior to the ministerial meetings, officials from the energy, ICT and transport departments in PICTs met on Monday 4 April 2011 to discuss issues that were to be tabled at the sector ministerial meetings.

The meeting agenda is attached as Annex 1.

A list of participants is attached as Annex 2.

4 OPENING PLENARY OF REGIONAL ENERGY, ICT AND TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING

(Tuesday 5 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia) INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 OFFICIAL ADDRESS

The official address was delivered by Dr. Jimmie Rodgers, Director- General, SPC.

Dr. Rodgers spoke on the importance of the inaugural joint ministerial meeting and that the meeting came at an important time; with the region increasingly seeking approaches that argument national effort through strategic partnerships and pooling of resources to deliver the best possible development outcomes.

The address is attached as Annex 3. Dr. Jimmie Rodgers, Director-General, SPC

OPENING STATEMENT

A statement was delivered by Mr. Feleti Teo, Deputy Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).

Mr. Teo spoke on the uniqueness of the meeting, as it presented a rare opportunity for ministers and officials with responsibilities in the three sectors to jointly discuss not only issues pertaining to each of the sectors, but also to consider cross-cutting development issues that impact right across the three sectors.

The statement is attached as Annex 4. Mr. Feleti Teo, Deputy Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS)

SETTING THE SCENE

Mr. John Hogan, Director, Economic Development Division, SPC, set the scene for the meeting.

He spoke on the linkages between energy, ICT and transport sectors. Mr. Hogan highlighted that the three sectors had numerous cross- cutting impacts and that SPC will endeavour to harmonise work across the sectors and gain maximum synergy.

The speech is attached as Annex 5. Mr. John Hogan, Director, Economic Development Division (EDD), SPC 5 PACIFIC REGIONAL TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING

(Tuesday 5 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia)

Improved regional transport services enhance the social and economic well- being of Pacific people by ensuring that everyone has access to safe, secure and competitive services that are regular, reliable and affordable.

Pacific Transport Ministers met at SPC headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia on 5 April 2011 to discuss transport in the region, with a focus on maritime and aviation issues. The meeting included the Vice President of the Government of New Caledonia; the Prime Minister of Cook Islands; Ministers from Marshall Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu; and a Member of Parliament from New Zealand. Representatives of member countries and territories also included officials from American Samoa, Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, France, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Tonga and Wallis and Futuna.

Also in attendance were development partners and organisations, namely the Asian Development Bank, Association of South Pacific Airlines, Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, European Investment Bank, International Civil Aviation Organisation, Pacific Aviation Safety Office, Pacific International Maritime Law Association, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Pacific Islands Maritime Association, Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance, Secretariat ofthe Pacific Regional Environment Programme, United Nations ESCAP, United National Development Programme and the World Bank. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL

6 PACIFIC TRANSPORT MINISTERS:

1. STATUS OF PROGRESS AGAINST DIRECTORS OF CIVIL AVIATION MEETING OUTCOMES OF 2010

i. noted the status of progress, national impacts and the gaps identified INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 and encouraged member states to fulfil their national responsibilities; ii. agreed that SPC and PASO explore sustainable financing mechanisms that support member states’ compliance with international requirements; and iii. noted that further discussion on the Pacific Islands Air Services Agreement is required, with a desk review of member benefits linked to Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) trade in services to be performed and feedback to be provided to Ministers.

2. STATUS OF PROGRESS AGAINST MARITIME MINISTERIAL COMMUNIQUÉ OF 2009

i. noted the status of progress, national impacts and the gaps identified; ii. encouraged member states to fulfil their national responsibilities; and iii. noted that the decisions from the 2009 Ministerial Communiqué are incorporated into the newly developed Framework for Action on Transport Services and its associated Transport Services Implementation Plan.

3. TRANSPORT FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

i. noted and indicated support for the work of the Transport Oversight Group; ii. endorsed the Framework for Action on Transport Services; and iii. agreed that the Transport Services Implementation Plan is a work in progress to be restructured and costed, then circulated out of session to members by the end of April 2011.

4. REGIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE ISSUES

i. endorsed the memorandum of agreement among Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) that support international lifesaving in the Pacific Ocean concerning maritime search and rescue; ii. noted the need for PICTs to review and update national maritime legislation to reflect recent developments in search and rescue (SAR); and iii. agreed to consider acceding to the SAR Convention.

7 5. MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION 2006

i. recognised the importance of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 as a key pillar of the international maritime regulatory framework for quality shipping; ii. noted the legislative gap analysis on MLC 2006 done by the Pacific International Maritime Law Association (PIMLA) and the need for appropriate policy development and legislative drafting; and iii. encouraged PICTs to investigate what they need to do to satisfy the requirements of effective implementation with the intention of ratifying the convention as soon as practicable.

6. STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING CONVENTION – MANILA AMENDMENTS

i. noted how important it is for all parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) to meet and honour their international obligations by promulgating domestic legislation; ii. recognised that there is a real risk of states being taken off the ‘White List’ if they fail to comply with the 2010 Manila amendments, which would critically affect seafarers’ overseas employment opportunities and the resulting revenue for national economies; iii. endorsed the Plan of Action of the Maritime Education and Training (MET) subcommittee of the Pacific Islands Maritime Association (PacMA) and recognised that implementation of this plan will require funding, albeit at a much lower level if this work is carried out by experts in the region; and iv. supported the work of the PacMA and PIMLA in assisting PICTs to meet their obligations under the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments.

7. SMALL ISLAND STATES SHIPPING ISSUES

i. noted the success of the Kiribati Shipping Services Limited (KSSL) service as a short-term solution to feeder shipping issues; ii. noted the establishment of the Central Pacific Shipping Commission (CPSC) in 2010 and the secretariat services provided to the commission by SPC in the interim; iii. indicated support for SPC’s work in the area of commodity mapping and hub ports and recognised the need for further funding to continue this work; and INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL iv. encouraged PICTs to provide detailed trade data for 2009 and 2010 to assist with this work and update the main SPC trade database.

8 8. PACIFIC ISLANDS DOMESTIC SHIP SAFETY (PIDSS)

i. noted the progress made in improving safety in domestic shipping in Tonga and Kiribati; ii. encouraged maritime administrations in PICTs to implement safe ship

management systems to improve safety in domestic shipping; INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 iii. recognised and supported the need to commence a review of maritime legislation in Kiribati and Tonga to reflect recent changes in international maritime safety instruments; iv. encouraged the formation of shipowners’ associations in PICTs to enable active engagement of shipowners and their ships’ crews in promoting maritime safety in the domestic shipping industry; v. noted the potential benefits to PICTs from the PIDSS programme and urged development partners and donors to consider financing the expansion of the PIDSS programme to other PICTs; and vi. noted that the lessons learned from the PIDSS pilot project in Tonga and Kiribati could be of benefit for other PICTs and should be shared.

9. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND ENERGY SECTORS

i. noted that IHO has signed an MOU with SPC to provide a framework for active liaison and cooperation between IHO and SPC to ensure the efficient and effective development and coordination of hydrographic and nautical charting programmes; and ii. noted that IHO is an intergovernmental organisation of a consultative and technical nature comprising over 80 member states represented by their respective national hydrographic offices.

9 10 INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 PACIFIC REGIONAL ICT MINISTERS MEETING

(Wednesday 6 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia)

The Pacific Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Ministers’ Meeting was held on 6 April 2011 at SPC headquarters in Noumea, INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 New Caledonia. The meeting was attended by ICT ministers and head of delegation from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, France, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu; development partners and representatives of regional and international organisations.

The ministers and representatives of the Pacific Island countries and territories, at the meeting:

Recalling the Tonga Declaration that was endorsed by Pacific Island countries and territories’ ICT ministers on 18 June 2010;

Acknowledging the progress in implementing the Tonga Declaration;

Noting that the Framework for Action on ICT for Development for the Pacific (FAIDP) as endorsed in the Tonga Declaration outlines a new approach to developing and improving ICT services to support development, strengthen governance and improve the livelihoods of communities in the Pacific region;

Recognizing that national ICT policies are essential foreffective multi-sectoral coordination and partnerships to fully utilise ICT as a tool for development and to ensure that national development priorities are addressed;

Recognizing the key role of ICT in disaster risk reduction, disaster management and climate change;

Noting that Pacific Island countries and territories’ ICT ministers in the Tonga Declaration requested that a FAIDP ‘Strategic Action Plan’ be developed;

Acknowledging the value of a multi‐pronged approach to cybersafety and cybersecurity;

Agreed to:

(i) Endorse the recommendations in agenda items 1 and 2 of the Pacific Regional ICT Meeting Report and Outcomes (Annex 6); and

(ii) Endorse the Pacific Regional ICT Strategic Action Plan in principle, and request the Secretariat to circulate a revised and prioritised implementation plan out of session to members by the end ofMay 2011 for further consideration.

11 PACIFIC REGIONAL ENERGY MINISTERS MEETING

(Wednesday 6 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia)

Pacific Energy Ministers, development partners and delegates met in Noumea, New Caledonia on 6 April 2011 during the occasion of the Inaugural Regional Meeting of Ministers for Energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Transport under the theme of Strategic Engagement for Economic Development Using the Key Drivers of Energy, ICT and Transport.

SPC members represented at the Pacific Regional Energy Ministers Meeting were from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, France, Republic of Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and, Wallis and Futuna.

Other participants were from development partners and CROP agencies working with members in the energy sector and included the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific (EU), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), International Union for Conservation of Nature Oceania Regional Office (IUCN), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Pacific Power Association (PPA), Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Sustainable Energy Industries Association of the Pacific Islands (SEAIPI), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), University of the South Pacific (USP) and World Bank (WB).

Recalling the 40th Pacific Islands Forum Communiqué in which, ‘Leaders reaffirmed that energy remains one of the region’s key priorities, and urged members to remain vigilant in the face of growing world oil prices, not least given the potential to place pressure on scarce national resources and budgets as a result of poorly secured energy supply’.

Acknowledging that ‘energy security in the PICTs exists when all people at all times have access to sufficient sustainable sources of clean and, affordable energy and services to enhance their social and economic well-being’. The meeting was an opportunity to examine strategic engagements to address the challenges to the energy security of the PICTs during a time when the price of oil has exceeded US$100 per barrel, which it seems likely to do for the foreseeable future. Accordingly PICTs are urged to set time-bound targets for the sustainable development of renewable-based electricity, recognizing that some countries such as Cook Islands, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu have already adopted national renewable energy targets.

Noting the Forum Leaders’ reaffirmation in 2010of their commitment to a renewable energy and energy efficient future based on achievable and practical and voluntary targets.

Recognising that about 25% of the oil use in the PICTs is for power generation with the remaining 75% in

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL transport and while there are variations among PICTs, efforts to reduce the economic vulnerability to volatile oil prices must support energy efficiency in the transport sector.

Noting the importance of exploring alternative cost effective and reliable oil supply sources like the current sourcing of Nauru’s oil supply from PNG while at the same time reviewing current oil pricing practices and policies.

Acknowledging the opportunity presented by three regional reform processes – the Pacific Plan, the regional 12 Institutional Framework (RIF) and the SPC organisational reform appreciated the rationale for convening of the inaugural joint ministerial meeting aimed at enhancing greater strategic engagements and cooperation among the four key pillars of economic development under the Economic Development Division of SPC – energy, ICT, infrastructure and transport which if addressed collectively would provide greater potential for achieving energy security and contributing

more effectively to achieving greater levels of national development outcomes INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 in PICTs.

Recognising that in improving energy security in the PICTs, reaffirmed that national energy policies and plans /roadmaps remain the principal means for its achievement through a “whole of sector” approach, based on the concept of “many partners, one team” and that regional interventions must focus on value adding initiatives that complement, supplement and enhance national development outcomes contributed to by the energy sector. That will involve strategic engagements among government agencies, power utilities, oil companies, private sector, the academic community, cultural leaders and their communities, regional organisations and bilateral and multinational development partners.

In noting the challenges and barriers to energy security in the PICTs, Ministers:

1. Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific

i. endorsed the Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific (FAESP) as a living document and welcomed the review process embedded in the plan for its continual refinement to keep abreast of changing global, regional and national environments.

2. Implementation Plan on Energy Security in the Pacific

i. noted that the Implementation Plan for Energy Security in the Pacific (IPESP) is for all regional organisations under CROP (Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific)

ii. noted that the IPESP only focuses on appropriate, value-adding regional enabling investments that can complement country efforts in achieving energy security

iii. noted that the IPESP is a living document and that: • Further details in the respective themes are to be reflected in the work programme /plan of individual regional agencies. • Critical activities, e.g. energy efficiency and conservation, should be prioritised, within available resources, for early implementation to ensure gains can be achieved and practical benefits demonstrated. • Innovative options for training and capacity development should be explored to address the human resource constraints faced by PICTs.

iv. agreed that the IPESP’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, in particular the energy security indicators developed for each theme and to be applied by each PICT to provide a sound basis for measuring national level impact and enabling the assessment of achievements and value for money. 13 v. agreed also that: • A simultaneous approach be adopted by members to increase their engagement in setting time bound renewable energy targets and also implement energy efficiency measures including adoption and implementation of energy efficiency standards such as energy efficiency labeling and reduction of energy losses from power plants; • Alternative oil supply options be explored and oil pricing practices and policies be reviewed; • Continually refine the financing of the plan ensuring proper identification of the sources and application of funds; and • The next ministerial meeting should be convened at around the time the implementation plan is reviewed at year five of theten year timeframe noting that there will be annual updates tothe implementation plan taking into account both prevailing as well as emerging priorities in the sector.

vi. endorsed the IPESP and its energy security indicators, noting the Secretariat’s intention to further refine the implementation plan to more clearly link outputs and impacts with inputs required, indicators, funding sources and implementing partners.

3. South-south Cooperation

Agreed that SPC, with other regional agencies, facilitate opportunities for south-south cooperation between PICTs on enhancing an energy secure Pacific – for example, the sharing of information and technical expertise that was agreed to between the Cook Islands and New Caledonia on renewable energy, sharing of information by the Republic of Fiji on its energy efficiency programmes with other PICTs and, the sharing of other initiatives such as the solar credit scheme in Australia.

Pacific Regional Energy Ministers thanked the SPC and the Government and people of New Caledonia for hosting the Pacific Regional Energy meeting and for the hospitality extended. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL

14 INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 15 SMALL ISLAND STATES REGIONAL ENERGY, ICT AND TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING

(Thursday 7 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia)

Pacific Smaller Island States (SIS) Ministers met at SPC headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia on 7 April 2011 to discuss cross-cutting issues of particular concern to them. In attendance were delegations from Cook Islands, Kiribati, France, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna.

SIS face unique and complex challenges with respect to their geographical locations, the scattered nature of the islands, their small population size, the vulnerability and importance of their ecosystems and a general lack of resources. The fragility of SIS ecosystems and their vulnerability to natural disasters and adverse weather conditions also add to costs through the high insurance premiums faced by transport operators and the increasing regulatory costs that impact the transport industry more generally.

Smaller island state shipping

The meeting reaffirmed support for the work being done by SPC for SIS shipping.

The Pacific Petroleum Project (PPP)

Noting the progress of PPP and assistance provided to the signatory countries with their supply chains, the meeting acknowledged that there was little practical prospect for bulk procurement amongst the current five members but that sub-regional opportunities existed. The meeting also noted that PPP reports included a draft tender process and contract that any member country could use to conduct an expression of interest or an open tender.

The meeting accepted the completion of phase 1 of the project following the presentation of milestone 5 and noted that milestone 6 had become part of a petroleum advisory service to be delivered by SPC, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SPC and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Acknowledging that there are special challenges to ICT development in SIS, the meeting encouraged SIS governments to adopt a more coordinated and planned approach to developing ICT as a key tool for sustainable development. The meeting stated its support for SPC’s e-governance for SIS project.

16 INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 17

COMBINED PLENARY OF REGIONAL ENERGY, ICT AND TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING

(Thursday 7 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia)

Common threads among the economic development sectors of energy, ICT and transport were explored at the Combined Plenary of Regional Energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Transport Ministers Meeting, which was held at SPC headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia on 7 April 2011.

The meeting agreed on the need for a new way of thinking and working within and between these sectors for the full potential to be realised, and members committed to pursuing this new paradigm at the national level through the ‘many partners, one team approach’, similar to the ‘whole of government’ or ‘whole of country’ approaches that many PICTs already take.

Issues discussed spanned topics related to liberalisation of trade in services, the impact of petroleum pricing on Pacific Island economies, enhancing climate change responses, disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation and adaptation, and food security.

The Pacific Islands Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA)

The meeting noted the update on the progress of the PICTA trade in services negotiations and the need for appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders as PICTA trade in services negotiations progress. The meeting also noted the need to progress the ratification ofthe Pacific Islands Air Services Agreement (PIASA), and urged Forum Island countries yet to ratify it to do so as a matter of priority.

Pacific petroleum pricing

The meeting noted with interest the efforts being pursued by SPC on petroleum pricing and the harmonisation of fuel quality.

Enhancing climate change responses

Acknowledging the integrated approach required for climate change approaches, the meeting noted the need to build an information base regarding risk in the Pacific Islands, with cost implications informed by

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL cost-benefit analyses. The meeting also noted that although climate change adaptation incurs high costs, its growing importance could be built into a business case. Climate change responses have strong links to disaster risk management activities, so there is a need to recalibrate future weather risk profiles and design standards and locate assets based on past information.

18 Reducing risk to infrastructure with a focus on the transport and energy sectors

The meeting reaffirmed its support for the work being done bySPC through its SOPAC Division on disaster risk management. The meeting expressed support for continued technical assistance from SPC to small INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 island economies on reducing risk to and vulnerability of infrastructure, particularly in the transport and energy sectors.

Given the usefulness of information on vulnerability and risks faced from natural hazards and climate change to inform national decision- making at all levels, the meeting supported the adoption of nationally owned and driven policies and action plans that secure and maintain healthy and resilient natural environments so as to ensure the ability to cope not only with the natural hazards of today but also with future hazards and changes in climate.

The meeting agreed that up-to-date geographic information systems (GISs) should be integrated across all sectors at the national level and supported by appropriate regional mechanisms to ensure that land and coastal resources, including infrastructure, can cope with the impact of development. The meeting further agreed that support from SPC and other regional and international partners would ensure that these critical cross-cutting issues are addressed in an integrated manner at national level.

Gender and women’s human rights

Recalling the decisions of the 11th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women in 2010, the meeting highlighted the need to integrate the critical development factors of gender equality and women’s human rights into activities in the energy, ICT and transport sectors.

Enhancing food security

Recognising that ‘food security is everyone’s business’, the meeting acknowledged the need to strengthen transport systems and infrastructure in the region and within countries and the urgency for increased access to energy and energy security for food production, storage and transportation. The meeting considered the respective sectors’ roles and contribution towards food security, both individually and where synergies exist.

The meeting recognised the relevance of climate change adaptation strategies to ensuring future food security and acknowledged SPC’s cross-cutting work in assisting PICTs to develop adaptation strategies.

The meeting further recognised the need to improve transport infrastructure, including roads, port facilities such as wharves and food storage facilities, as well as the expansion of ICT coverage to rural and remote areas.

19 CLOSING PLENARY OF REGIONAL ENERGY, ICT AND TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING

(Friday 8 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia)

COMMUNIQUÉ

Preamble

1. The inaugural joint meeting of Pacific Ministers for Energy, ICT and Transport was held at the Jacques Iékawé Conference Centre at SPC headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia, from 4 to 8 April 2011. It was attended by Ministers and/or Secretaries, Directors and senior officials from the ministries/ departments of Energy, ICT and Transport of American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, France, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Pitcairn Islands, Tokelau and the United States of America did not send representatives to the meeting.

2. Also attending the inaugural meeting were representatives from CROP (Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific) organisations − Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Pacific Power Association (PPA), and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); the University of the South Pacific (USP); regional maritime associations — Pacific Islands Maritime Association (PacMA), Pacific International Maritime Law Association (PIMLA) and Pacific Transport Maritime Alliance (PMTA); and development partners — Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA), Commonwealth Network of IT for Development (COMNET-IT), Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific (EU), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), European Investment Bank, Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty Ltd (GSES), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Union for Conservation of Nature/Oceanic (IUCN), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), New Caledonia Digital Observatory, One Laptop per Child, OPT, Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO), Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC) Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), Sustainable Energy Industry Association for the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI), United Nations-Asia and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development/Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-APCICT/ESCAP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), University of Queensland and the World Bank.

3. Ministers expressed their deep appreciation to the Government of New Caledonia and SPC for enabling the inaugural meeting to take place in New Caledonia, for the warm and generous manner in which delegates had been welcomed and the excellent hospitality accorded to all.

4. The inaugural joint meeting of ministers responsible for three key economic sectors in Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) was seen as the first of the benefits of three regional reform processes that called for the pooling of resources, rationalisation of regional mechanisms and streamlining

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL of regionally delivered services to PICTs – the Pacific Plan for increasing regional collaboration and integration, the reform of the regional institutional framework, and

5. The meeting acknowledged SPC’s establishment of a new technical division for economic development as part of its response to the reform of regional institutions, and recognised that bringing together for the first time in the region, three key drivers of economic development – energy, ICT, and transport −

20 provided an outstanding chance for PICTs to harness the potential offered by an integrated approach, and opportunities to better achieve national development targets in areas to which these sectors contribute.

6. The meeting agreed on the following outcomes for each of the ministerial sector meetings that took

place during the joint meeting as well as for the meeting segments relating to the small island states INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 and cross-cutting priorities.

7. The meeting noted that many of the agreed outcomes and priorities are not yet funded and may need to be adjusted pending further clarity on the availability of resources from development partners and the internal prioritisation of existing SPC resources.

OUTCOME OF THE ENERGY MINISTERS’ MEETING

Preamble

8. The meeting recalled the 40th Pacific Islands Forum Communiqué in which, ‘Leaders reaffirmed that energy remains one of the region’s key priorities, and urged members to remain vigilant in the face of growing world oil prices, not least given the potential to place pressure on scarce national resources and budgets as a result of poorly secured energy supply’.

9. Acknowledging that ‘energy security in PICTs exists when all people at all times have access to sufficient sustainable sources of clean and, affordable energy and services to enhance their social and economic well-being’, the meeting agreed on the need to examine strategic engagements to address challenges to the energy security of PICTs at a time when the price of oil has exceeded USD 100 per barrel, which seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, PICTs are urged to set time-bound targets for the sustainable development of renewable-based electricity, recognising that some countries such as Cook Islands, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu have already adopted national renewable energy targets.

10. The meeting noted the Forum Leaders’ reaffirmation in 2010 of their commitment to arenewable energy and energy efficient future based on achievable, practical and voluntary targets.

11. The meeting recognised that about 25% of oil use in PICTs is for power generation and 75% for transport and that while there are variations among PICTs, efforts to reduce economic vulnerability to volatile oil prices must support a more energy efficient transport sector.

12. The meeting noted the importance of exploring alternative cost-effective and reliable oil supply sources, such as the current sourcing of Nauru’s oil supply from PNG, while at the same time reviewing current oil pricing practices and policies.

13. The meeting acknowledged the opportunity presented by regional reform processes and the rationale for convening the inaugural joint ministerial meeting aimed at enhancing greater strategic engagement and cooperation within the three key pillars of economic development under SPC’s Economic Development Division - energy, ICT and transport, agreeing that addressing these areas collectively could provide greater potential for achieving energy security and contribute more effectively to achieving PICT national development targets.

14. The meeting reaffirmed that national energy policies and plans/roadmaps remain the principal means

21 for achieving improved energy security in PICTs, through a ‘whole of sector‘ approach based on the concept of ‘many partners, one team‘, and that regional interventions must focus on value-adding initiatives that complement, supplement and enhance national development outcomes contributed to by the energy sector. These efforts must involve strategic engagement among government agencies, power utilities, oil companies, the private sector, the academic community, cultural leaders and their communities, regional organisations and bilateral and multinational development partners.

Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific

15. The ministers endorsed the Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific (FAESP) as a living document and welcomed the review process embedded in the plan, which aims to ensure it will be continually refined to keep abreast of changing global, regional and national environments.

Implementation Plan on Energy Security in the Pacific

16. The meeting noted that the Implementation Plan for Energy Security in the Pacific (IPESP) is for all regional organisations under CROP.

17. The meeting further noted that the IPESP must focus on appropriate, value-adding regional enabling investments that can complement country efforts in achieving energy security.

18. The meeting also noted that the IPESP is a living document and that:

i. further details on the respective themes are to be reflected in the work programme/plan of individual regional agencies; ii. critical activities, e.g. energy efficiency and conservation, should be prioritised, within available resources, for early implementation to ensure gains can be achieved and practical benefits demonstrated; and iii. innovative options for training and capacity development should be explored to address the human resource constraints faced by PICTS.

19. The meeting agreed that the IPESP’s monitoring and evaluation framework, in particular the energy security indicators developed for each theme and to be applied by each PICT, provide a sound basis for measuring national-level impact and enabling the assessment of achievements and value for money.

20. The meeting also agreed that:

i. a simultaneous approach may be adopted by members to increase their engagement in setting time-bound renewable energy targets and also implementing energy efficiency measures, including adoption and implementation of existing standards for energy efficiency labeling; ii. PICTs adopt energy efficiency measures in power plants; iii. alternative oil supply options be explored and oil pricing practices and policies be reviewed; iv. the financing of the plan be continually refined to ensure proper identification of the sources and application of funds; and

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL v. the next ministerial be convened at around the time the implementation plan is reviewed, i.e. at year five of the ten year timeframe, noting that there will be annual updates to the implementation plan that take into account both prevailing and emerging priorities in the sector.

21. The meeting endorsed IPESP and its energy security indicators, noting the Secretariat’s intention to further refine the implementation plan to more clearly link outputs and impacts with inputs required,

22 indicators, funding sources and implementing partners.

Enhancing partnerships and sharing of best practices

22. The meeting agreed that SPC, with other regional agencies, should facilitate opportunities for cooperation between PICTs on enhancing Pacific energy security; for example, the sharing of information and technical expertise on renewable energy that was agreed to between the Cook Islands and New INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Caledonia; the sharing of information by the Republic of Fiji on its energy efficiency programmes with other PICTs; and the sharing of information on other initiatives such as the solar credit scheme in Australia.

23. The representative of France indicated that her country was ready to share its experience in the area of renewable energies such as geothermal energy and ocean energy.

OUTCOME OF THE ICT MINISTERS MEETING

Preamble

24. The meeting recalled the Tonga Declaration that was endorsed by Pacific Island countries and territories’ ICT ministers on 18 June 2010;

25. The meeting acknowledged the progress in implementing the Tonga Declaration;

26. The meeting noted that the Framework for Action on ICT for Development for the Pacific (FAIDP) as endorsed in the Tonga Declaration outlines a new approach to developing and improving ICT services to support development, strengthen governance and improve the livelihoods of communities in the Pacific region;

27. The meeting recognised that national ICT policies are essential for effective multi-sectoral coordination and partnerships to fully utilise ICT as a tool for development and to ensure that national development priorities are addressed;

28. The meeting recognised the key role of ICT in disaster risk reduction, disaster management and climate change;

29. The meeting noted that Pacific Island countries and territories’ ICT ministers in the Tonga Declaration requested that a FAIDP ‘Strategic Action Plan’ be developed;

30. The meeting acknowledged the value of a multi‐pronged approach to cybersafety and cybersecurity.

31. The meeting noted the statement by the representative of France concerning the upcoming G8 meeting in Deauville (France) in May 2011. The issue of the internet will be one of the priority topics on the agenda, including widespread access to this means of communication in developing countries.

Pacific Regional ICT Meeting Report and Outcomes

32. The meeting agreed to endorse the recommendations in agenda items 1 and 2 of the Pacific Regional ICT Meeting Report and Outcomes (Annex 6).

23 Pacific Regional ICT Strategic Action Plan (PRISAP)

33. The meeting endorsed the Pacific Regional ICT Strategic Action Plan in principle and requested the Secretariat to circulate a revised and prioritised implementation plan, which includes tangible and outcome-focused activities, out of session to members by the end of May 2011 for further consideration.

OUTCOME OF THE TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEETING

Preamble

34. At their ministerial meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga (May 2009) Pacific Ministers of Transport recognised that internationally compliant transport services are imperative for economic growth and human development.

35. Safe, reliable and sustainable transport depends on governments creating the right enabling environment for the private sector to operate services in an efficient and commercially viable manner, and providing effective safety oversight. Recent maritime accidents demonstrate failures in adhering to internationally accepted standards for safe and secure services, highlighting the need for more concerted efforts in this regard.

36. The provision of safe and secure regional transport services is affected by numerous geographical, socio-economic and technical factors, including population mobility, susceptibility to natural disasters and other effects of climate change, national policies and regulations, and international instruments. Additional factors include appropriate vessel/craft operation and maintenance, route profitability, existing petroleum supply (quality and quantity), level of infrastructure, technical capacity, proximity of maintenance facilities, as well as mandatory safety and security auditing services.

Air transport

37. Acknowledging the importance of improved coordination and delivery of safe, secure and competitive regional transport services, the meeting resolved to support air transport by noting the status of progress, national impacts and the gaps identified and encouraged member states to fulfil their national responsibilities. Regional collaboration between SPC and PASO will give effect to this. The meeting agreed that SPC and PASO would explore sustainable financing mechanisms that support member states’ compliance with international requirements, and noted that further discussion on the Pacific Islands Air Services Agreement was required, with a desktop review to be performed of member benefits linked to trade in services of the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement and feedback to be provided to Ministers.

38. The meeting agreed that it is important to provide aviation training and to raise awareness on safety and security and noted the offer made by France and New Caledonia as part of the French Pacific Fund to make funds available to SPC for aviation training.

39. The meeting made special note of progress made against the maritime ministerial communiqué of 2009, namely the status of progress, national impacts and the gaps identified as well as the incorporation of the ministerial decisions into the newly developed Framework for Action on Transport Services. The meeting also encouraged member states to fulfil their national responsibilities.

24 Transport framework

40. In endorsing the Framework for Action on Transport Services, the meeting noted and indicated support for the work of the Transport Oversight Group and agreed that the Transport Services Implementation Plan is a work in progress to be restructured with a focus on tangible activities that add value to national efforts, costed, then circulated out of session to members by the end of April 2011. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011

Search and rescue

41. With respect to search and rescue, the meeting endorsed the memorandum of agreement among PICTs that support international lifesaving in the Pacific Ocean and noted the need for PICTs to review and update national maritime legislation to reflect recent developments in search and rescue. The meeting also agreed to consider acceding to the search and rescue convention. Maritime Labour Convention

42. Recognising the importance of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 as a key pillar of the international maritime regulatory framework for quality shipping, the meeting noted the legislative gap analysis done by the Pacific International Maritime Law Association and the need for appropriate policy development and legislative drafting. The meeting encouraged PICTs to investigate what they need to do to satisfy the requirements of effective implementation with the intention of ratifying the convention as soon as practicable.

Maritime training convention amendments

43. The meeting noted the importance of maintaining compliance with international seafarer training and certification standards, and recognised the need for PICTs to pass domestic legislation in the area of maritime labour, in particular to cater for the 2010 Manila amendments. The meeting recognised the pool of regional expertise in the Pacific Islands Maritime Association and the Pacific International Maritime Law Association and endorsed their work as well as their collaboration with SPC to continue assuring seafarers’ overseas employment opportunities resulting in revenue gains for national economies.

Smaller island state shipping

44. The meeting noted the success of the short-term solution to feeder shipping issues provided by Kiribati Shipping Services Limited and the establishment in 2010 of the Central Pacific Shipping Commission, whose interim secretariat services are provided by SPC. The meeting indicated support for SPC’s work in the area of mapping trade patterns and hub ports, recognised the need for further funding to continue this work and encouraged PICTs to provide detailed trade data for 2009 and 2010 to assist with this work and updating the main SPC trade database.

Domestic ship safety

45. Noting the progress made in improving safety for domestic shipping in Tonga and Kiribati through the Australia-funded pilot project, the meeting encouraged maritime administrations in PICTs to implement safe ship management systems and review maritime legislation to reflect recent changes in international maritime safety instruments. The meeting also encouraged the formation of shipowners’ associations to enable active engagement of shipowners and ships’ crews in promoting maritime safety in the domestic shipping industry. After noting the benefits from the pilot project, the meeting urged development partners and donors to consider financing the expansion of such a programme to other

25 countries and territories and noted that the lessons learned from the pilot project in Tonga and Kiribati could be of benefit for the region and should therefore be shared.

Disaster preparedness, mitigation and adaptation

46. The meeting noted that the International Hydrographic Office has signed a memorandum of understanding with SPC to provide a framework for active liaison and cooperation between the two organisations to ensure efficient and effective development and coordination of hydrographic and nautical charting programmes. The meeting also noted that the International Hydrographic Office is an intergovernmental organisation of a consultative and technical nature comprising over 80 member states represented by their respective national hydrographic offices.

OUTCOME OF THE SMALLER ISLAND STATES MINISTERIAL MEETING Preamble

47. Pacific Regional Smaller Island States (SIS) Ministers met at SPC headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia on 7 April 2011 to discuss cross-cutting issues of particular concern to them. In attendance were delegations from Cook Islands, Kiribati, France, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna.

48. SIS face unique and complex challenges with respect to their geographical locations, the scattered nature of the islands, their small population size, the vulnerability and importance of their ecosystems and a general lack of resources. The fragility of SIS ecosystems and their vulnerability to natural disasters and adverse weather conditions also add to costs through the high insurance premiums faced by transport operators and the increasing regulatory costs that impact the transport industry more generally.

Smaller island state shipping

49. The meeting reaffirmed support for the work being done by SPC for SIS shipping.

The Pacific Petroleum Project (PPP)

50. Noting the progress of PPP and assistance provided to the signatory countries with their supply chains, the meeting acknowledged that there was little practical prospect for bulk procurement amongst the current five members but that sub-regional opportunities existed. The meeting also noted that PPP reports included a draft tender process and contract that any member country could use to conduct an expression of interest or an open tender.

51. The meeting accepted the completion of phase 1 of the project following the presentation of milestone 5 and noted that milestone 6 had become part of a petroleum advisory service to be delivered by SPC, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SPC and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

52. Acknowledging that there are special challenges to ICT development in SIS, the meeting encouraged SIS governments to adopt a more coordinated and planned approach to developing ICT as a key tool for sustainable development. The meeting stated its support for SPC’s e-governance for SIS project.

26 OUTCOME OF THE MINISTERIAL MEETING ON CROSS-CUTTING PRIORITIES Preamble

53. Common threads among the economic development sectors of energy, ICT and transport were explored at the Combined Plenary of Regional Energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and

Transport Ministers Meeting, which was held at SPC headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia on 7 April INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 2011.

54. The meeting agreed on the need for a new way of thinking and working within and between these sectors for the full potential to be realised, and members committed to pursuing this new paradigm at the national level through the ‘many partners, one team approach’, similar to the ‘whole of government’ or ‘whole of country’ approaches that many PICTs already take.

55. Issues discussed spanned topics related to liberalisation of trade in services, the impact of petroleum pricing on Pacific Island economies, enhancing climate change responses, disasterpreparedness, hazard mitigation and adaptation, and food security.

The Pacific Islands Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA)

56. The meeting noted the update on the progress of the PICTA trade in services negotiations and the need for appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders as PICTA trade in services negotiations progress. The meeting also noted the need to progress the ratification of the Pacific Islands Air Services Agreement (PIASA), and urged Forum Island countries yet to ratify it to do so as a matter of priority.

Pacific petroleum pricing

57. The meeting noted with interest the efforts being pursued by SPC on petroleum pricing andthe harmonisation of fuel quality.

Enhancing climate change responses

58. Acknowledging the integrated approach required for climate change approaches, the meeting noted the need to build an information base regarding risk in the Pacific Islands, with cost implications informed by cost-benefit analyses. The meeting also noted that although climate change adaptation incurs high costs, its growing importance could be built into a business case. Climate change responses have strong links to disaster risk management activities, so there is a need to recalibrate future weather risk profiles and design standards and locate assets based on past information.

Reducing risk to infrastructure with a focus on the transport and energy sectors

59. The meeting reaffirmed its support for the work being done by SPC through its SOPAC Division on disaster risk management. The meeting expressed support for continued technical assistance from SPC to small island economies on reducing risk to and vulnerability of infrastructure, particularly in the transport and energy sectors.

60. Given the usefulness of information on vulnerability and risks faced from natural hazards and climate change to inform national decision-making at all levels, the meeting supported the adoption of nationally owned and driven policies and action plans that secure and maintain healthy and resilient natural environments so as to ensure the ability to cope not only with the natural hazards of today but

27 also with future hazards and changes in climate.

61. The meeting agreed that up-to-date geographic information systems (GISs) should be integrated across all sectors at the national level and supported by appropriate regional mechanisms to ensure that land and coastal resources, including infrastructure, can cope with the impact of development. The meeting further agreed that support from SPC and other regional and international partners would ensure that these critical cross-cutting issues are addressed in an integrated manner at national level.

Gender and women’s human rights

62. Recalling the decisions of the 11th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women in 2010, the meeting highlighted the need to integrate the critical development factors of gender equality and women’s human rights into activities in the energy, ICT and transport sectors.

Enhancing food security

63. Recognising that ‘food security is everyone’s business’, the meeting acknowledged the need to strengthen transport systems and infrastructure in the region and within countries and the urgency for increased access to energy and energy security for food production, storage and transportation. The meeting considered the respective sectors’ roles and contribution towards food security, both individually and where synergies exist. 64. The meeting recognised the relevance of climate change adaptation strategies to ensuring future food security and acknowledged SPC’s cross-cutting work in assisting PICTs to develop adaptation strategies.

65. The meeting further recognised the need to improve transport infrastructure, including roads, port facilities such as wharves and food storage facilities, as well as the expansion of ICT coverage to rural and remote areas.

APPRECIATION

66. The ministers and heads of delegations thanked SPC and the Government and people of New Caledonia for hosting the inaugural joint ministerial meeting and for the hospitality extended.

67. The representative of New Caledonia expressed appreciation to government ministers and other representatives of SPC members and all meeting participants, noting the importance of regional cooperation and his government’s commitment to supporting SPC’s work in the future.

New Caledonia 8 April 2011 INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL

28 INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011

ANNEXES

29 Annex 1

SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC COMMUNITY

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, (4–8 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia)

Strategic engagement for economic development using the key drivers of energy, ICT and transport

PROVISIONAL AGENDA

SUNDAY, 03 APRIL 2011 Welcome Cocktail reception from 5:30 – 6:30pm at the SPC Conference Deck

MONDAY, 04 APRIL 2011 Opening Plenary of Regional Energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) And Transport Meeting 0800 – 0830 Registration Secretariat

0830 – 0840 Opening prayer & word of welcome by the Chair Chair

0840 – 0855 Opening address John Hogan (SPC)

0855 – 0900 Adoption of agenda Chair

0900 – 0910 AGENDA ITEM 1 Setting the scene John Hogan (SPC)

0910 – 0920 AGENDA ITEM 2 Trade in services liberalisation in key infrastructure sectors Scott Hook (PIFS) World events and their impacts on petroleum prices and Solomone Fifita 0920 – 0930 AGENDA ITEM 3 economies of PICTs (SPC) 0930 – 0940 AGENDA ITEM 4 Enhancing climate change responses Brian Dawson (SPC) Disaster preparedness, mitigation, adaptation in the 0940 – 0950 AGENDA ITEM 5 Russell Howorth (SPC) infrastructure, transport and energy sector 0950 – 1000 AGENDA ITEM 6 Enhancing food security SPC

End of meeting

1000 – 1030 Morning Tea and Official Photograph

MONDAY, 04 APRIL 2011 Pacific Regional Energy Meeting 1030 – 1035 Opening prayer & word of welcome Chair

1035 – 1040 Adoption of agenda Chair

Matters Arising from the 2010 Special Forum Energy 1040 – 1100 AGENDA ITEM 1 Solomone Fifita (SPC) Ministers Meeting INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific 1100 – 1130 AGENDA ITEM 2 Solomone Fifita (SPC) and its Implementation Plan 1130 – 1150 AGENDA ITEM 3 The Pacific Petroleum Project Scott Hook (PIFS)

1150 – 1210 AGENDA ITEM 4 Petroleum pricing Shakil Kumar (SPC) Strategic Plan of the Pacific Power Association and Power 1210 – 1230 AGENDA ITEM 5 Andrew Daka (PPA) Sector Developments (PPA) 30 1230 - 1330 Lunch Pierre Barloy and Jean Laurent 1330 – 1350 AGENDA ITEM 6 The TEP Vertes Project (DIMENC, New Caledonia

AGENDA ITEM 7 PALM-5 Pacific Environment Community Funds Jonathan Mitchell (PIFS) 1350 – 1410

RMI Import Duties (RE & EE Equipment Exemption INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 1410 – 1430 AGENDA ITEM 8 Republic of Marshall Is Amendment) Act 2011 Fiji Government’s effort to improve energy efficiency in its Fiji Department of Energy 1430 – 1500 AGENDA ITEM 9 transport sector 1500 – 1530 Afternoon Tea and Official Photograph Capacity building effort of the University of the South Esther Williams (Deputy Vice 1530 - 1545 AGENDA ITEM 10 Pacific Chancellor, USP) The Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Peter Konings (SEIAPI) 1545 – 1600 AGENDA ITEM 11 Islands (SEIAPI) 1600 – 1615 AGENDA ITEM 12 A trade-off between energy and biodiversity Anare Matakiviti (IUCN)

1615 – 1630 AGENDA ITEM 13 Collaborations for an energy secure Pacific Rupeni Mario (SPC)

1630 – 1700 AGENDA ITEM 14 Proposed resolutions Secretariat

End of meeting

MONDAY, 04 APRIL 2011 Pacific Regional ICT Meeting 1030 – 1040 Opening prayer and word of welcome Chair

1040 – 1045 Adoption of agenda Chair

1045 – 1100 AGENDA ITEM 1 Status of progress against the Tonga Declaration Secretariat

1100 – 1230 AGENDA ITEM 2 Partners and regional initiatives: Secretariat

(a) Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team Chair, PacCERT Board

(b) Regional approach to manage e-waste SPC/SPREP (c) Pacific Islands Countries Chapter of the Internet Society President, PICISOC Board update (PICISOC) (d) World Bank Pacific interconnectivity World Bank

1230– 1330 Lunch (e) Capacity building and ICT policy, regulatory and AGENDA ITEM 2 1330 – 1500 legislative frameworks support for Pacific countries ITU/ICB4PAC cont (ICB4PAC) (f) Enhancing information and communication for Ernesto Bautista, UNDP empowerment Henao Iduhu, Chair PIRRC (g) Pacific ICT Regulatory Resource Centre (PIRRC) Working Group/WB (h) ICT for disaster risk reduction and climate change SPC (EDD/SOPAC) (i) ICT and information management systems for disaster risk SPC (EDD/SOPAC) management in the Pacific Esther Williams, Deputy (j) USP ICT initiatives Vice Chancellor, USP (k) SPC Pacific ICT Outreach Programme (PICTO) Siaosi Sovaleni, SPC

1500 – 1530 Afternoon tea and Official Photograph 31 AGENDA ITEM 2 1530 – 1600 (l) ICT applications for telecentres ITU cont (m) Asia Pacific Telecommunity in the Pacific Stuart Davies, APT

1600 – 1645 AGENDA ITEM 3 Draft Pacific Regional ICT Strategic Action Plan Siaosi Sovaleni, SPC

1645 – 1700 AGENDA ITEM 4 Other business Secretariat

1700 – 1730 AGENDA ITEM 5 Proposed outcomes Secretariat

End of meeting

MONDAY, 04 APRIL 2011 Pacific Regional Transport Meeting 1030 – 1040 Opening prayer & word of welcome by the Chair TBA

1040 – 1045 Adoption of agenda Chair Status of progress against Directors’ of Civil Aviation Meeting 1045 – 1115 AGENDA ITEM 1 Secretariat Outcomes (2010) 1115 – 1130 AGENDA ITEM 2 Status of progress against Maritime Ministerial Communiqué 2 Secretariat

1130 – 1230 AGENDA ITEM 3 Transport Framework and its implementation plan Secretariat

1230 – 1330 Lunch

1330 – 1350 AGENDA ITEM 4 Regional search and rescue issues Secretariat

1350 – 1410 AGENDA ITEM 5 Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Secretariat

1410 – 1430 AGENDA ITEM 6 STCW Manila Amendments 2010 Secretariat

1430 – 1445 AGENDA ITEM 7 Small island states shipping issues Secretariat

1445 – 1500 AGENDA ITEM 8 Pacific Islands Domestic Ship Safety (PIDSS) programme Secretariat

1500 – 1530 Afternoon Tea and Official Photograph

1530 – 1630 AGENDA ITEM 9 Regional aviation issues ASPA/ PASO

1630 – 1700 AGENDA ITEM 10 Proposed resolutions Secretariat

End of meeting

TUESDAY, 05 APRIL 2011 Opening Plenary of Regional Energy, ICT and Transport Ministers Meeting 0800 – 0830 Registration Secretariat 0830 – 0840 Opening prayer & word of welcome Chair Jimmie Rodgers, 0840 – 0910 Official address (Director-General, SPC) 0910 – 0930 Statement by PIFS Feleti Teo ( DSG, PIFS)

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL 0930 – 0945 Setting the scene John Hogan (SPC) 0945 – 1030 Morning Tea and Official Photograph

End of meeting

TUESDAY, 05 APRIL 2011 Pacific Regional Transport Ministers Meeting 1030 – 1040 Opening prayer & word of welcome by the Chair TBA 32 Jimmie Rodgers, 1040 – 1055 Official address (Director-General, SPC) 1055 – 1100 Adoption of agenda Chair Status of progress against Directors’ of Civil Aviation Meeting 1100 – 1130 AGENDA ITEM 1 Secretariat Outcomes (2010) 1130 – 1200 AGENDA ITEM 2 Status of progress against Maritime Ministerial Communiqué 2 Secretariat INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 1200 – 1230 AGENDA ITEM 3 Transport Framework Secretariat 1230 – 1330 Lunch 1330 – 1400 AGENDA ITEM 4 Transport Services Implementation Plan Secretariat 1400 – 1430 AGENDA ITEM 5 Search and rescue MOU Secretariat 1430 – 1500 AGENDA ITEM 6 Aviation issues ASPA / PASO 1500 – 1530 Afternoon tea and Official Photograph 1530 – 1600 AGENDA ITEM 7 Pacific Regional Transport Meeting outcomes Secretariat 1600 – 1630 AGENDA ITEM 8 Open forum discussions Chair 1630 – 1730 AGENDA ITEM 9 Proposed resolutions Secretariat

End of meeting

TUESDAY, 05 APRIL 2011 Ministerial Cocktail reception from 6:00 – 8:80pm at the SPC Social Clubnference Deck

WEDNESDAY, 06 APRIL 2011 Pacific Regional ICT Ministers Meeting 0800 – 0830 Registration Secretariat

0830 – 0840 Opening prayer & word of welcome by the Chair TBA Jimmie Rodgers, 0840 – 0855 Official address (Director-General, SPC) 0855 – 0910 Official keynote address UNAPCICT

0910 – 0915 Adoption of agenda Chair

0915 – 0930 AGENDA ITEM 1 Status of progress against the Tonga Declaration Secretariat Implementation Plan of the Framework for Action on ICT for 0930 – 1000 AGENDA ITEM 2 Secretariat Development in the Pacific 1000 – 1030 Morning Tea and Official Photograph Martin Cocker (Executive 1030 – 1100 AGENDA ITEM 3 Internet safety Director, NetSafe) Commonwealth’s partnership contribution in the implemen- Commonwealth 1100 – 1130 AGENDA ITEM 4 tation of the Pacific Regional ICT Strategic Action Plan – for Secretariat consideration 1130 – 1200 AGENDA ITEM 5 Pacific Regional ICT Meeting outcomes Secretariat

1200 – 1230 AGENDA ITEM 6 Proposed resolutions Secretariat

1230 – 1330 Lunch

End of meeting

WEDNESDAY, 06 APRIL 2011 Pacific Regional Energy Ministers Meeting 1330 – 1340 Opening prayer & word of welcome by the Chair TBA 33 Jimmie Rodgers, 1340 – 1355 Official address (Director-General, SPC) 1355 – 1400 Adoption of agenda Chair Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific and its 1400 – 1430 AGENDA ITEM 1 Solomone Fifita (SPC) implementation plan World events and their impacts on petroleum prices and econo- 1430 – 1500 AGENDA ITEM 2 Solomone Fifita (SPC) mies of PICTs 1500 – 1530 Afternoon Tea and Official Photograph

1530 – 1600 AGENDA ITEM 3 Pacific Regional Energy Meeting outcomes Rupeni Mario (SPC)

1600 – 1700 AGENDA ITEM 4 Proposed resolutions Secretariat

End of meeting

THURSDAY, 07 APRIL 2011 Combined Plenary of Regional Energy, ICT and Transport Ministers Meeting 0830 – 0900 Opening prayer & word of welcome Chair

0900 – 0905 Adoption of agenda Chair

0905 – 0930 AGENDA ITEM 1 Status of progress against SIS Maritime Ministerial Communiqué 2 Secretariat

1000 – 1030 Morning Tea and Official Photograph

1030 – 1045 AGENDA ITEM 2 The Pacific Petroleum Project Scott Hook (PIFS)

1045 – 1100 AGENDA ITEM 3 E-governance for small island states Siaosi Sovaleni (SPC)

1100 – 1130 AGENDA ITEM 4 Open forum discussions Chair

1130 – 1200 AGENDA ITEM 5 Proposed resolutions Secretariat

1200 – 1330 Lunch

End of meeting

THURSDAY, 07 APRIL 2011 Combined Plenary of Regional Energy, ICT and Transport Ministers Meeting 1330 – 1340 Opening prayer & word of welcome by the Chair TBA Jimmie Rodgers, 1340 – 1350 Official address (Director General, SPC) 1350 – 1355 Adoption of agenda Chair

1355 – 1415 AGENDA ITEM 1 Common threads: energy, ICT and transport Secretariat

1415 – 1440 AGENDA ITEM 2 Trade in services liberalisation in key infrastructure sectors Feleti Teo (DSG, PIFS) World events and their impacts on petroleum prices and econo- 1440 – 1500 AGENDA ITEM 3 Solomone Fifita (SPC) mies of PICTs 1500 – 1530 Afternoon Tea INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL

1530 – 1545 AGENDA ITEM 4 Enhancing climate change responses Brian Dawson (SPC) Disaster preparedness, mitigation, adaptation in the 1545 – 1600 AGENDA ITEM 5 Russell Howorth (SPC) infrastructure, transport and energy sector 1600 – 1645 AGENDA ITEM 6 Enhancing food security SPC

1645 – 1700 AGENDA ITEM 7 Open forum discussions Secretariat

34 FRIDAY, 08 APRIL 2011 Closing Plenary of Regional Energy, ICT and Transport Ministers Meeting 0900 – 0905 Prayer and welcome by Chair Chair

0905 – 1000 AGENDA ITEM 1 Discussion on proposed ministerial communiqué Secretariat

1000 – 1030 Morning Tea INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011

1030 – 1045 AGENDA ITEM 2 Signing of communiqué Chair/ministers

1045 – 1115 AGENDA ITEM 3 Closing remarks TBA

1230 – 1330 Lunch

1500 – 1530 Close of triennial ministerial meeting

SPC Island Night function

35 Annex 2

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT

(4-8 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia)

Strategic engagement for economic development using the key drivers of energy, ICT and transport

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS / LISTE DES PARTICIPANTS

GOVERNMENTS/GOUVERNEMENTS American Samoa Mr William Mahn Manager Training & Professional Development Department of Information Technology 50001 EOB Loop A.P. Lutali Executive Building (EOB) Pago Pago AS, 96799 Tel: 684-633-3648/3649/3650 Email: [email protected]

Australia Mr Guy Richardson Australie General Manager, Analysis & Operational Support Office of Transport Security Canberra ACT Email: [email protected]

Mr Jason Sambrook Pacific Aviation Security Liaison Officer Office of Transport Security Canberra ACT Email: [email protected]

Mr Paul Wright Director, Pacific Branch Canberra ACT 2601 Tel: +61 2 6206 4346 Email: [email protected]

Mr James Sweeting Assistant Director General Pacific Branch Canberra ACT 2601

Ms Anita Butler Consul General, Noumea

Mr Tim Farrell Director Renewables and Energy Efficiency Division Email: [email protected] INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL

Cook Islands Hon Henry Tuakeu Puna Iles Cook Prime Minister Office of the Prime Minister Private Bag, Rarotonga Cook Islands Tel : +682 25494 Email : [email protected]

36 Cook Islands Mr Aukino Tairea Iles Cook Secretary of Transport Ministry of Transport PO Box 61, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tel: +682 28810 Email: [email protected]

Mr Rewi Edwin Pittman INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Chief Executive Officer Office of the Prime Minister Private Bag, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tel : +682 25494 Email : [email protected]

Mr Carl Hunter Director of Pacific Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration PO Box 105, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tel : +682 29347 Email : [email protected]

Mrs Tepua Hunter Director of ICT Office of the Prime Minister Private Bag, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tel : +682 25494 Email : [email protected]

Ms Repeta Puna Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister Office of the Prime Minister Private Bag, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tel : +682 25494 Email : [email protected]

Mr Tangi Tereapii Senior Energy Advisor Energy Department Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Federated States of Micronesia Mr Hubert K. Yamada Etats Fédérés de Micronésie Assistant Secretary, Energy Department of Resource & Development PS12, Palikir, Pohnpei Tel : +691 320 5133 Email : [email protected]

Mr Jolden Johnnyboy Assistant Secretary for Communication Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastruc- ture, Palikir, Pohnpei Tel : +691 320 2381 Email : [email protected]

Mr Leo Lokopwe Assistant Secretary for Marine Transport Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastruc- ture, Palikir, Pohnpei Tel : +691 320 2865 Email : [email protected]

37 Fiji Mrs Elizabeth Powell Fidji Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Telecommunications & Technology PO Box 2278, Government Buildings Suva, Fiji Email: [email protected]

Mr Peceli Nakavulevu Acting Director of Energy Energy & Rural Electrification Department GPO Box 2493, Government Buildings Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 338 6006 Email: [email protected]

Mr Jeke Kelo Tavai Senior Transport Planning Officer Ministry of Works, Transport & Public Utilities Nasilivata House, Samabula Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 338 4111 Email: [email protected]

Ms Mereseini Vuniwaqa ICT Attorney General’s Chambers Suva

France Mrs Josiane Couratier Permanent Representative to SPC and SPREP Noumea, New Caledonia Tel : +687 26 16 03 Email : [email protected]

French Polynesia Ms Sylvie Yu Chip Lin Polynésie française Service de l’énergie et des mines Chef de service Tél: + 689 505099 Email : [email protected]

Kiribati Mr. Bwanouia Aberaam Chief Executive Officer for Telecommunications Authority of Kiribati Email: [email protected]

Marshall Islands Hon Kenneth Kedi Iles Marshall Ministry of Transportation & Communications PO Box 1079, Majuro Marshall Islands Tel: +692 625 8805 Email: [email protected]

Hon Maynard Alfred Minister - Ministry of Resources & Development INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL Email: [email protected]

Mr Phil Philippo Secretary for Transportation & Communications Ministry of Transportation & Communications PO Box 1079, Majuro Marshall Islands Tel: +692 625 8377 Email: [email protected] 38 Marshall Islands Ms Angeline Abraham Iles Marshall Chief Energy Ministry of Resources & Development PO Box 1727, Majuro Marshall Islands Tel: +692 625 3206 Email: [email protected] INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Mr Rommel Robles Natividad Ministry of Transportation & Communications Majuro, Marshall Islands Email: [email protected]

Nauru Mr Christopher Aroebec Stephen Secretary for Transport & Telecommunications Ministry of Transport & Telecommunications Government of Nauru Tel: +674 557 3085 Email: [email protected]

Mr Sean Sommersall Weekes Director of ICT Ministry of Transport & Telecommunications 1st Floor, Civic Centre, Government Office Aiwo District, Nauru Tel: +674 577 3123 ext 102 Email: [email protected]

Mrs Apisake Soakai Chief Executive Officer Nauru Utilities Authority Nauru Tel: +674 557 4000 Email: [email protected]

Mr Kemp Wade Detenamo Director of Ports & Maritime Ministry of Transport & Telecommunications Airport Building, Yaren, Nauru Tel: +674 557 3089 Email: [email protected]

Mr Criden Appi Email: [email protected]

New Caledonia Mrs Sonia Backes Nouvelle-Calédonie Membre du gouvernement, representannte du gouvernememt de la Nouvelle-Caledonie Email: [email protected]

Mr Thomas Schmidt, Directeur de l’Agence Nationale des Frequences Email: [email protected]

Mr Bruno Manot OPT

Mr Christopher Gyges Conseiller en charge de l’energie et de la fiscalite Email: [email protected]

Mrs Patricia Courtot Conseiller en charge des questions relatives au transfert de l’enseignement Email: [email protected] 39 New Caledonia Mrs Francoise Guepy Nouvelle-Calédonie Chargee de mission pour la coordination de l’ensemble des actions et suivi du dossier “lute contre l’illetrisme” Email: [email protected]

Mr Yves Breant Chef du service des infrastructures Direction des Infrastructures, de la Topographie et des Trans- ports Terrestres Email: [email protected]

Mr Hugues Georgelin Chef du projet transport Direction des Infrastructures, de la Topographie et des Trans- ports Terrestres Email: [email protected]

Mr Charles Vakie Directeur DTSI

Mr Cameron Diver Directeur par interim de la direction de l’enseignment de la Nouvelle-Caledonie

Mr François Bockel Chef du Service de la coopération régionale et des relations extérieures – Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie

Mrs Anais Rouveyrol de la coopération régionale et des relations extérieures – Gou- vernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie

Mr Pierre Barloy Direction de l’Industrie des Mines et de l’Energie DIMENC 1rue Unger – BP 465 – 98845 Noumea CEDEX – Tel. 27 02 30

Mr Bastian Morvan Direction de l’Industrie des Mines et de l’Energie DIMENC 1rue Unger – BP 465 – 98845 Noumea CEDEX – Tel. 27 02 30

Mr Aurélien Louis DIMENC / Direction de l’Industrie des Mines et de l’Energie DIMENC 1rue Unger – BP 465 – 98845 Noumea CEDEX – Tel. 27 02 30

Mr Marc Chapalain directeur du service des Affaires maritimes / chef du service de la Marine marchande et des peches maritimes de Nouvelle- Caledonie 2 bis, rue Felix Russeil 98800 Noumea Tel: +687 27 26 26 Email: [email protected]

New Zealand Mr John Hayes Nouvelle-Zélande Special Envoy and Head of Delegation New Zealand Government Wellington New Zealand 40 New Zealand Mr John Capper Nouvelle-Zélande Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade Wellington New Zealand

Ms Andrea Smith Director, Pacific Division

Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Wellington, New Zealand

Mr Jonathan Fletcher Senior Advisor – Infrastructure Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Private Bag 18 901, Wellington, NZ Tel: +64 4 439 8000 Email: [email protected]

Mr Simon Draper Consul General, Noumea

New Caledonia Tel: +687 27 25 43 Email: [email protected]

Mr Charles Kingston Vice Consul, Noumea New Caledonia Tel: +687 27 25 43 Email: [email protected]

Mr Frank March Senior Specialist Advisor Ministry of Economic Development PO Box 1473, Wellington Tel: +64 21 494165

Mr Martin Cocker Executive Director Netsafe

Mr Keith Davidson Pacific IGF

Niue Hon Togia Sioneholo Minister for Transport Government of Niue Alofi, Niue

Mr Tutuli Heka Director of Post & Telecommunication Department of Post & Telecommunication Alofi, Niue Email: [email protected]

Mr Speedo Hetutu General Manager - Niue Power Corporation PO Box 29, Alofi, Niue Tel: +683 4119 Email: [email protected]

Mr George Valiana General Manager - Niue Bulk Fuel Corporation Alofi, Niue Email: [email protected] 41 Palau Mr William Hayes Moses Director Bureau of Commercial Development MPIIC, PO Box 1471 Koror 96940, Republic of Palau Tel: +680 767 4343 Email: [email protected]

Mr Nicholas Kloulubak Energy Planner, Energy Office Bureau of Commercial Development MPIIC, PO Box 1471 Koror 96940, Republic of Palau

Papua New Guinea Hon Benjamin Poponawa Papouasie-Nlle-Guinée Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation PO Box 1489, Port Moresby NCD Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 325 7500 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Mr Henao Iduhu Secretary for Communication Department of Communication & Information Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Mr Charles Punaha Chief Executive Officer NICTA PO Box 8444, Boroko 11 Port Moresby NCD, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 300 4009 Email: [email protected]

Mr Matthew Wowoni First Assistant Secretary – Maritime Security Division PO Box 1489, Port Moresby NCD Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 325 7500 Email: [email protected]

Samoa Hon Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure Ministry for Works, Transport & Infrastructure Apia, Samoa

Mr Magele Hoe Viali A/CEO & Director of Civil Aviation Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure Apia, Samoa Tel: +685 21611 INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL Email: [email protected]

Mr Tuaimalo Asamu Ah Sam CEO - Ministry of Communications & Information Technology Private Mail Bag, Apia, Samoa Tel: +685 26117 Email: [email protected]

42 Samoa Mr Papalii Willie Nansen Managing Director - Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited Apia, Samoa Tel: +685 20935/20936 Email: [email protected]

Solomon Islands Mr Michael Ahikau Iles Salomon Director of Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Ministry of Infrastructure & Development GPO Box G32, Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel: +677 21535 Email: [email protected]

Mr Alfred Pita’a Chief of Air Traffic Services Ministry of Communications & Aviation PO Box 1850, Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel: +677 36326 Email: [email protected]

Tonga Mr. Paula Ma’u CEO - Ministry of Information & Communication (Head of Delegation) Nuku’alofa Email : [email protected]

Mr. David Tohi CEO - Ministry of Transport PO Box 845, Nuku’alofa Tel: +676 24144 Email: [email protected]

Mr Ofa Sefana Acting Energy Planning Specialist Ministry of Environment & Climate Change PO Box 5, Nuku’alofa Tel: +676 26364 Email: [email protected]

Tuvalu Hon Kausea Natano Minister for Communications, Transport & Public Utilities Funafuti, Tuvalu Tel: +688 20051 Email: [email protected]

Mr Tepaukie Sotaga Assistant Secretary Ministry of Communication and Transport Funafuti, Tuvalu Tel: +688 20055 Email: [email protected]

Mr Opetaia Simati Director ICT - Ministry of Communication and Transport Funafuti, Tuvalu Tel: +688 20069 Email: [email protected]

Mr Molipi Tausi Energy Planner Funafuti, Tuvalu Tel: +688 20056 Email: [email protected]

43 Vanuatu Hon Alfred Rolland Carlot Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Department of Lands and Natural Resources Port Vila, Vanuatu

Mr Willie Watson Director General Ministry of Infrastructure & Public Utilities Port Vila, Vanuatu Tel: +678 22790 Email: [email protected]

Mr Raymond Manuake Vanuatu Consulate General PO Box 2499, 98846 Noumea New Caledonia Tel: +687 27 76 21 Email: [email protected]

Mr Joseph Niel Director - Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu Tel: +678 7784913 Email: [email protected]

Mr Noel Faionalave Ministry of Land, Energy, Environment & Rural Water Supply Port Vila

Mr Kaltong Alon Ministry of Lands, Energy, Environment & Rural Water Supply Port Vila

Mr Alan Horne Regulator PO Box 3547, Port Vila Tel: +678 555 1252 Email: [email protected]

Ms Dalsie Baniala Manager, Consumer and Communications PO Box 3547, Port Vila Tel: +678 27621 Email: [email protected]

Wallis & Futuna Mr Alesio Katoa Conseiller territorial Assemblee territoriale Havelu, Hahake BP 31 Mata’utu 98600, Wallis Tel: +681 722407 Email: [email protected]

Mr Atoloto Malau Chef du service de l’environnement Service de l’environnement

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL Havelu, Hahake BP 31, Mata’utu 98600 Tel: +681 720351 Email: [email protected]

Mr Patrick Pezzetta Directeur de l’aviation civile Direction de l’aviation civile Malae, Hihifo BP 01 Mata’utu 98600 Email: [email protected] 44 DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS AND ORGANISATIONS

Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) Mr German Valdez Communications Director PO Box 3646, South Brisbane Queensland 4101, Australia Tel: +61 7 3858 3100 Email: [email protected] INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011

Ms Miwa Fujii Senior IPv6 Program Specialist PO Box 3646, South Brisbane Queensland 4101, Australia Tel: +61 7 3858 3100 Email: [email protected]

Ms Elly Tawhai Senior Internet Resource Analyst/Liaison Officer, Pacific PO Box 3646, South Brisbane Queensland 4101 Tel: +61 7 3858 3100 Email: [email protected]

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Ms Gi Soon Song Public Management Specialist Asian Development Bank, Manila Tel: +63 2 632 6395 Email: [email protected]

Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Mr Stuart Davies Telecommunications Expert 12/49 Soi 5, Chaengwattana Road Bangkok 10210, Thailand Tel: +66 2 5736892 Email: [email protected]

Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA) Mr Didier Tappero VP, Aircalin and Chairman of ASPA

Mr George Faktaufon Secretary General, ASPA - Nadi Airport Tel: +679 672 3526 Email: [email protected]

Commonwealth Network of IT for Development Mr Joseph V. Tabone (COMNET-IT) Chairman Alfir, Reggie Miller Street, Gzira, GZR 1541, Malta Tel: +356 2132 3395 Email: [email protected]

Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific (EU) Mr Georgelin Lenaic Delegation of the EU for the Pacific Level 4, Development Bank Centre 360 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 331 3633 Email: [email protected]

European Investment Bank Jean-Philippe de Jong Head of Regional Office Sydney, Australia Tel: +61 2 8211 0536 Email: [email protected] 45 Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty Ltd (GSES) Mr Geoffrey Stapleton Managing Director Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty Ltd PO Box 57, Ulladulla 2539 Australia Tel: +61 2 4457 3057 Email: [email protected]

Mr Peter Konings President – Executive Committee Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands North Pacific Office, PO Box 1800 Kolonia, Pohnpei 96941 Tel: +691 320 5953 Email: [email protected]

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Mrs Gisa Fuatai Purcell Project Coordinator Suva, Fiji

International Union for Conservation of Nature/Oceanic Mr Anare Matakiviti (IUCN) Energy Programme Coordinator IUCN, 5 Maafu Street Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 331 9084 Email: [email protected]

New Caledonia Digital Observatory Ms Charlotte Ullmann

Ms Lena Hoffmann

Mr Eric Cateine

One Laptop per Child Mr Michael Hutak Director, Oceania One Laptop per Child Tel: +61 412 001052 Email: [email protected]

Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) Mr Alvin William Tuala Chief Executive Officer, PASO PO Box 139, Port Vila, Vanuatu Tel: +678 28500 ext 24 Email: [email protected]

Mr Rob McLellan Aviation Security Inspectorate PO Box 139, Port Vila, Vanuatu Tel: +678 28500 Email: [email protected]

Pacific Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC) Ms Maureen Hilyard

Ms Ellen Strickland - Researcher

Pacific International Maritime Law Association (PIMLA) Mr Fred Amoa President, PIMLA Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 9 836 2704 Email: [email protected] 46 Pacific International Maritime Law Association (PIMLA) Mr Yolisaguyau Tom’tavala PIMLA Executive Committee Member Port Vila, Vanuatu Email: [email protected]

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Mr Feleti Teo Deputy Secretary General Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Tel: +679 331 2600 Email: [email protected]

Mr Scott Hook Economic Infrastructure Adviser Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 331 2600 Email: [email protected]

Mr Jonathan Mitchell Project Manager – Pacific Environment Community Fund Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 322 0351 Email: [email protected]

Mr Fakavae Taomia Small Island States Programme Officer Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 331 2600 Email: [email protected]

Pacific Islands Maritime Association (PacMA) Mr Ned Howard Chairperson, PacMA Ministry of Transport Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tel: +682 28810 Email: [email protected]

Mr Richard Coleman PacMA Executive Committee Member PNG Maritime College Madang, PNG Tel: +675 852 2615 Email: [email protected]

Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance (PMTA) Mr Brian Riches President, PMTA PNG Ports Corporation Limited Port Moresby, PNG Tel: +675 308 4221 Email: [email protected]

Mrs Rubee Eromanga PMTA Executive Committee Member Kiribati Ports Authority Tarawa, Kiribati Tel: +686 25147 Email: [email protected]

Pacific Power Association Mr Andrew Daka Executive Director - Pacific Power Association Naibati House, Goodenough Street Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 330 6022

47 Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) Mr Mark Forgarty Chairman REEEP Southeast Asia & Pacific Australia Tel: +61 3 9929 4112

Ms Eva Oberender Regional Director REEEP Southeast Asia and Pacific SEA Pacific Regional Secretariat Tel: +61 3 9929 4112 Email: [email protected]

Ms Maaike Gobel Manager – South East Asia Pacific Clean Energy Council Australia Tel: +61 3 9929 4101 Email: [email protected]

Ms Jena Wuu Programme Officer - REEEP International Secretariat Austria Tel: +43 1 260 263 425

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Mr Kosimiki Latu Programme (SPREP) Director, SPREP Apia, Samoa Email: [email protected]

UN APCICT Ms. Hyeun Suk Rhee Director of UN-APCICT (United Nations - Asia Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development) Bonbudong, 3rd Floor, 7-50 Songdo Techno Park, Songdo- dong,Yeonsu-gu, Incheon Republic of Korea Tel : +82 32 245 1700 Email : [email protected]

Mr. Daniel Munoz Smith Public Information Associate of UN-APCICT Bonbudong, 3rd Floor, 7-50 Songdo Techno Park, Songdo- dong,Yeonsu-gu, Incheon Republic of Korea Tel : +82 32 245 1700 Email : [email protected]

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mr Thomas Lynge Jensen Environment and Energy Specialist UNDP Multi-Country Office, Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 330 0399 Email: [email protected]

Mr Ernesto Bautista Regional Governance Adviser – Pacific Centre

University of the South Pacific (USP) Dr Esther Williams Deputy Vice-Chancellor USP, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 323 2073 Email: [email protected] 48 University of the South Pacific (USP) Mr Kisione Wesley Finau Consultant, IT Services USP, Suva, Fiji Email: [email protected]

Mr Kazuyoshi Fukushima Chief Advisor

USP-JICA ICT for Human Development & Human Security INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Project USP, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 323 2618 Email: [email protected]

Mr Jito Vanualailai Associate Dean Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment USP, Suva, Fiji Email: [email protected]

Dr Atul K Raturi Senior Lecturer – Physics Division School of Engineering & Physics USP, Suva, Fiji Tel: +679 323 2430 Email: [email protected]

World Bank Mr James Neumann Legal Specialist World Bank

Mr Alan Douglas Webb Consultant World Bank Wellington, New Zealand Tel: +64 4 386 3355 Email: [email protected]

Ms Wendy Hughes World Bank Email: [email protected]

SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT GENERAL DE LA COMMUNAUTE DU PACIFIQUE

Dr Jimmie Rodgers Mr Russell Howorth Director General Director, Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission SPC HQ, Noumea (SOPAC) Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31113 SPC Applied Science & Technology Division Email: [email protected] Tel: +679 338 1377 ext. 306 Email: [email protected] Mr Richard Mann Deputy Director General Mr Solomone Fifita SPC HQ, Noumea Deputy Director, Energy Programme Tel:+687 262 000 ext. 31112 SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +679 337 0733 Captain John Hogan Email: [email protected] Director, Economic Development Division SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +679 337 9257 / 337 0733 ext. 35257 Email: [email protected] 49 Captain John Rounds Mr Shakil Kumar Acting Manager, Transport Programme / Shipping Advisor Petroleum Project Officer SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +679 337 9404 / 337 0733 ext. 35404 Tel: +679 337 9221 / 337 0733 ext. 35221 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ms Alisi Tuqa Mr Siaosi Sovaleni Planning Officer Acting Manager, PICTO SPC HQ Noumea SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31385 Tel: +679 337 9409 / 337 0733 ext. 35409 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mr Tanielu Aiafi ICT Outreach Officer Mr Brian Dawson SPC Suva Regional Office Senior Climate Change & Energy Advisor Tel: +679 337 9408 / 337 0733 ext. 35408 SPC HQ Noumea Email: [email protected] Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31131 Email: [email protected] Mr Sakaio Manoa SOPAC Mr Fagaloa Tufuga Mr Larry Thomas Maritime Legal Advisor RMC – Coordinator SPC Suva Regional Office SPC Suva Regional Office Tel : +679 337 9232 / 337 0733 ext. 35232 Tel: +679 337 0733 Email : [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ms Megan Streeter Ms Emily Moli EDD Systems Development Advisor RMC – Reporter SPC Suva Regional Office SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +679 337 9278 / 337 0733 ext. 35278 Tel: +679 337 0733 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Bruce Tweed, LCDR USCG (ret.) Mr Kelepi Koroi Ship Safety Advisor Cameraman – RMC SPC Suva Regional Office SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +679 337 0733 Tel: +679 337 0733 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Mr Rupeni Mario Mr Pierre Guibert Senior Energy Advisor Manager, Translation/Interpretation Section SPC Suva Regional Office SPC HQ Noumea Tel: +679 337 9410 / 337 0733 ext. 35410 Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31174 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Mr Ian Thomson Mr Patrick Delhaye PacRICS and OLPC Coordinator Interpreter SPC HQ Noumea SPC HQ Noumea Tel: +687 260 144 / 262 000 ext. 31473 Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31175 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Mr Olivier Auguin Ms Isabelle Barbot Planning Advisor Interpreter SPC HQ Noumea SPC HQ Noumea Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31148 Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31177 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Ms Uzumma Erume Ms Sophie Lockner Energy/Transport Economist – ODI Fellow Interpreter INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL SPC Suva Regional Office SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +679 337 9420 / 337 0733 ext. 35420 Tel: +679 337 0733 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Captain Hakaumotu Fakapelea Ms Angela Templeton Maritime Ports Security Officer Manager Publications Tel: +679 337 9296 / 337 0733 ext. 35296 SPC HQ Noumea Email: [email protected] Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31134 Email: [email protected] 50 Ms Avnita Goundar Ms Debra Williams EDD Information Officer Administrative Assistant – PICTO SPC Suva Regional Office SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +679 337 9281 / 337 0733 ext. 35281 Tel: +679 337 9417 / 337 0733 ext. 35417 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Ms Sereana Narayan Ms Bernedine Managreve Information Assistant - PICTO Administrative Assistant – Transport Programme SPC Suva Regional Office SPC Suva Regional Office INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Tel: +679 337 9419 / 337 0733 ext. 35419 Tel: +679 337 9276 / 337 0733 ext. 35276 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mr Sushil Patel Mr Medhy Palfray Information Assistant – Transport Programme SPC Suva Regional Office Conference & IT Technician Tel: +679 337 9421 / 337 0733 ext. 35421 SPC HQ Noumea Email: [email protected] Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31318 or 31375 Email: [email protected] Ms Nicole Milot Conference and Travel Coordinator Mr Duane Sutton SPC HQ Noumea Print Manager Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31156 SPC HQ Noumea Email: [email protected] Tel: +687 262 000 / 260127 direct Email: [email protected] Ms Virginie Cadenat Conference & Travel Assistant Ms Inise Rabukawaqa SPC HQ Noumea EDD Administrator Tel: +687 262 000 ext. 31349 Email: [email protected] SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +679 337 0952 direct / 337 9255 / 3370 733 ext. 35255 Ms Pooja Pal Email: [email protected] Administrative Assistant – Energy Programme SPC Suva Regional Office Tel: +679 337 9401 / 337 0733 ext. 35401 Email: [email protected]

Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea 8 April 2011 51 Annex 3

Opening remarks by Dr. Jimmie Rodgers, Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

The Honourable Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Honourable Ministers and heads of delegations, secretaries, chief executive officers, directors and senior officials from the SPC member countries and territories Members of the Diplomatic Corps Representatives from our development partners and international organisations Representatives from the private sector and non-government organisations Representatives from the transport, energy and ICT sector organisations and associations Colleague representatives from CROP agencies Ladies and gentlemen

Welcome

Bonjour and welcome to the Jacque’s Iekawe Conference centre at the headquarters of your organisation, the Secretariat of the Pacific community in Noumea, New Caledonia. For those of you who are in Noumea for the first time, I extend to you on behalf of our host governments of New Caledonia and the Republic of France and the SPC our warmest welcome for your taking time to be with us this week. For those of you who have been to Noumea before, welcome back. To all of you, SPC is your home away from home over the next week.

Brief exposition on the historical significance of the Jacque Iekawe Conference Centre

Allow me first of all to introduce you to the significance of this Conference centre and why it is fitting that the first ever joint ministerial meeting to address the challenges facing our region in the areas of transport, energy, infrastructure and communication is launched from here.

This conference centre is name after a famous son of New Caledonia, Jacque Iekawe, who was elected Secretary General designate for SPC, but sadly passed away before he could take up the position. The conference centre together with the SPC headquarters was designed by Pacific Architects based in Fiji. In our recent 60th Anniversary Publication that portrays the services of SPC to members in its first 60 years, we have also alluded to SPC and thus this conference centre as the ‘the meeting House of the Pacific’.

The design of the Conference centre embodies the Pacific maritime heritage. Seen from the outside, the conference centre takes the shape of an over-turned ocean-going canoe that had just returned from a long voyage with the stern facing the water and the bow toward land. When you walked on the corridor coming to the conference centre, you will have noticed the posts supporting floor above on the right side of the corridor are shaped like the mast and supporting beams of the mast.

The wall behind me is made of coconut timber, sewn together by Kiribati craftsmen and is the side of the canoe. The various lines you see on the walls crossing each other embody the traditional navigation charts used by our

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL sea-faring ancestors to navigate the Pacific waters. The round carpet at the centre of the conference room was gifted by New Zealand and represents the clear blue and green water on Pacific islands reefs and lagoon as seen from the low flying small aircrafts serving each island nation. New Zealand also gifted the huge chair behind us here as a permanent feature of the conference centre. The conference tables are made of coconut time, manufactured by Pacific Green of Fiji. The pipes on the in-land wall serve an acoustic purpose. Finally you will see on the inland wall the portraits of the people that have had the honour and privilege to lead SPC over the past 64 years since its establishment under the Canberra Agreement on 6th February 1947.

With that little bit of Pacific history that underpins this conference centre I hope you will agree it is a fitting venue 52 for our meeting.

Introduction

The past three and a half years, arguably more than any other period in the recent history of this region, has been one of unprecedented challenges at global, regional and national levels. These challenges have demanded the attention of leaders at all levels and have required careful and strategic responses. In the Pacific Islands region, for INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 example: i. Rising oil prices in 2008 led to price increases across economic sectors such as energy, air, sea and land transport, and the region’s fishing industry, and also to the curtailing of services by many countries. ii. Rapid increases in food prices led to calls by the international community, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, Pacific Ministers of Agriculture, Forestry and Health, and SPC’s governing body for urgent measures to improve food security. iii. Natural disasters had widespread impacts on many communities • King tides affected many island countries, not only the low-lying atoll countries but also the low-lying islands of larger island countries. The result has been increased coastal salt water intrusion, soil salinity, less food production and in some cases resettlement of people. • More frequent high-intensity cyclones and periods of adverse weather produced massive floods in many countries, costing lives and destroying homes and farm land. • For the first time, several island countries declared ‘states of emergency’ at the same time due to climatic conditions in 2008. iv. The timing of global economic crisis could not have been worse for a region already struggling to cope with the effects of high oil and food prices and natural disasters. The impact of the crisis on the vulnerable small island nations of the Pacific was thus magnified.

The inaugural joint meeting of ministers of transport, energy, infrastructure and ICTs – background and purpose

This inaugural joint ministerial meeting comes at a critical point in time to seek common and effective solutions that will augment national efforts through strategic partnerships and pooling of resources to support country led and whole of country approaches that will deliver the highest possible development outcomes for members in the transport, energy, ICT and infrastructure sectors.

This regional meeting is a culmination of three regional processes namely: • the Pacific Plan for strengthening regional cooperation and integration, • the regional institutional framework reforms called for by Forum leaders to rationalise the delivery of regionally provided services to members through a reform of the region’s regional organisations, and finally • the reforms within SPC approved by SPC’s governing body to provide a platform for a more integrated and effective delivery of regionally provided services to its island members.

The RIF reforms transferred the energy and ICT programmes of SOPAC to be become part of the new economic development division of SPC in April 2010 and the SOPAC core work programme merged with SPC as the new Applied geoscience and technology division in January this year. The South Pacific Board for Education Assessment (SPBEA) merged with the new ‘education, training and human development division’ of SPC. RIF provided an opportunity for the new SPC to harness the collective strength of what used to be three separate agencies to provide a platform for a more effective service delivery to members.

Under the SPC reforms our governing body has agreed on three key development outcomes that will guide SPC’s regional service into the future: 53 • sustainable human and social development • sustainable natural resources management and development, and • sustainable economic development

The work that SPC does which covers more than twenty sectors all contribute to achieving these three key development outcomes. SPC has been re-structured to deliver against these outcomes. • human and social development directorate comprising the public health division and the education, training and human development division leads the organisation’s work contributing to sustainable human and social development, • natural resources management and development directorate comprising the Land resources division and the fisheries, aquaculture and marine ecosystems division leads the organisation’s work contributing to sustainable natural resources management and development, • economic development division comprising four pillars of economic development – transport, energy, ICTs and infrastructure leads the organisation’s work contributing to sustainable economic development.

Supporting the technical and scientific programmes delivering on the three key development outcomes are: • the Applied geoscience and technology division (SOPAC) • the statistics for development programme, and • SPC’s programme support services and corporate services.

Rationale underpinning the joint ministerial meeting

The key rationale underpinning the convening of this joint ministerial meeting is simple – these four drivers of economic development will provide greater economic benefits to each country if they are addressed together rather than independently of each other

Each of these sectors is huge. They usually have their own regional meetings lasting up to a week to address all matters relating to each sector. This week we have five days to discuss and hopefully agree on what you consider important to be the important services that can be provided regionally that would add value to your own national development outcomes.

Over the next four days you will discuss three regional frameworks: • Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific • Framework for Action on ICT development in the Pacific, and • Framework for Action on Transport services (in the Pacific)

The Energy and ICT frameworks had been approved by Forum leaders and the SPC governing body. The transport framework is being presented for consideration at this meeting and will be further presented for endorsement at the SPC conference later this year.

Each framework: • is based on guiding principles, and themes, and • has clear delineation between national and regional responsibilities.

Each framework is supported by a draft costed implementation plan for discussion and consideration at this

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL meeting. The implementation plan only deals with those areas that are determined for regional service delivery in the frameworks thereby not duplicating what falls under national responsibilities. It also identifies the various partners that contribute to each specific output together with the costs to achieve the outputs. It further provides the basis for the many partners, one team approach. I hasten to add that the costs would change if there are additional outputs.

The three frameworks together with the respective implementation plans will provide a basis for monitoring and evaluation to assess impact at national level in each of the sectors. They will also provide the basis for developing the higher level divisional strategic plan which in turn will provide an integrated implementation plan for the 54 whole division covering all sectors.

The three sectors for which you will consider their implementation plans at this meeting are highly interdependent. ICTs rely on power which in most island countries and territories relies on petroleum products and renewable energy. Power plants rely on transport services (by sea and road) to deliver the petroleum products or renewable energy implements, but ships, trucks and planes rely on petroleum products. Each of these three sectors cannot do without the other, yet in many jurisdictions each is managed by a different ministry or department or private INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 sector entity. It would appear that greater synergies and efficiencies could be achieved through integrated approaches to planning and managing these sectors for maximum development impacts.

Now turning briefly to each of the three drivers for economic development:

The transport pillar – the Pacific is a maritime region and will continue to rely on shipping and air services at infinitum.

The challenge for the region is how best to achieve more frequent, reliable, affordable and safer sea, air and land transport services. An additional challenge is that both the maritime and aviation sectors are highly regulated and the region has to ensure continued compliance of sea and air port security, training certifications, ship and aircraft safety and audit regimes that are recognised by the IMO and ICAO. Land transport is more a national responsibility and regional support will only be in areas such as research and sharing of best practice information as well as in geological and engineering advice as to where to construct major roads if such capacity does not exist at national levels.

Another challenge relates to the types of ships and aircrafts used for inter-regional as well as national transportation and trade and the type and volume of commodity traded between island countries or to and from island countries that determines frequency of shipping. The presentation from ASPA highlighted useful lessons as does the Pacific Forum Line in as far as the right-sizing of aircraft and ships maybe concerned.

Despite these challenges there are some examples of success stories in the transport sector emanating from the Pacific Plan that we can build on which will improve the livelihood of our people. • The SIS ‘Feeder shipping service operating between Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Nauru using the Kiribati shipping line is one such example – that increased and frequency and reliability of shipping services between these four countries resulting in reduced freight rates and cheaper products in importing countries. It also increased trade between these countries. This service can in future link to Wallis as well as to the Marshall Islands.

We could achieve other early wins through the following measures: • Commissioning of other similar sub-regional feeder shipping service perhaps to link other island countries for instance Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Tokelau and the Northern Cook Islands is perhaps another option needing exploring. • The re-establishment of the Fiji-Cook Islands shipping service that used to generate between 30 – 40 million NZD in trade needs to be further explored. • The opening of the Majuro Port in RMI as the North-South transhipment port connecting the north and south shipping routes will open two new shipping routes to the south Pacific one from Asia and the other from the mainland USA. • Completion of the commodity mapping exercise undertaken by the transport programme is now not only important but urgent because it is the outcome of such exercise that can demonstrate to the private sector there is profit to be made in these routes in-order for them to provide the shipping services. Each of these low- hanging fruits that can unlock economic development need upfront investment of resources to be realised and I hope that partners at this meeting will support such work as they link directly to outcomes. • Explore opportunities to secure more fuel efficient ships and / or cleaner fuels for existing ships • Support the proposed study by the ASPA on air routes and right-sizing of aircrafts for interisland travel for profitability • In addition priorities still remain in meeting IMO and ICAO compliance, updating of various regulatory frameworks and development of national infrastructure. 55 The energy pillar – Renewable energy is the new kid in town and it holds a substantial part of the answer to future electric power generation in many island countries. The larger island countries will also have capacity for hydro as well as geothermal sources of renewable energy but for the majority renewable energy equals solar energy. The energy framework recognises there are many sources of renewable energy but emphasises the importance of using proven technology. However until such time as renewable energy brings about a real reduction in reliance on fossil fuel for electric power generation, the implementation of renewable energy programmes must be supplemented by measures that increases energy efficiency that can be achieved by policy or legislative decisions for instance by making energy saver light bulbs compulsory. This move alone can reduce fossil fuel consumption by between 5 – 10 %. Banning of in-efficient electrical appliances such as refrigerators below a ‘2 star rating’ can also reduce power consumption in the longer-term. Increasing the efficiency of power plants to reduce the percentage losses in energy is also crucial – in some cases reducing fuel requirements by up to 15%. This will however require larger capital investments but given that fossil fuel will likely remain a major source of power generation for many years to come in many island countries it is worth investing in.

The major challenge in the energy sector however is not to do with the generation of electric power where there are real options available but in the transport sector. On average 75 percent of the total fossil fuel usage in most island countries is dedicated to transport, except for Fiji (42%) and Papua New Guinea (54%). For many PICTs, this means that even if they have 100% electric power coverage derived from a mix of renewable energy sources, it only accounts for about 25% of the total fossil fuel requirements thus there needs to be a longer term search for cleaner fuels and more efficient plants and ship engines.

For many small island countries in the region achieving 100 percent electric power coverage is achievable and we would be very happy to work with each country in your analysis and planning to achieve such an objective.

The ICT pillar – ICT provides the backbone for development. It is more than a communication medium. It educates and empowers individuals, families, communities, nations. It is a highly commercialised sector and in some countries the costs are prohibitive. It has been shown that lack of ICT has been responsible for holding back social and economic development and progress. This has been aptly demonstrated in the recent years when de-regulation in many island countries has resulted in increased competition in the telecommunication sector resulting not only in driving telecommunication costs down and increasing the volume of communication but also provided mush needed boost for economic development.

The teledensity in the Pacific ranges widely with some countries still below 20 % penetration to some already achieving near 100 percent. However broadband penetration is still very low. Most island countries still rely solely on satellites for broadband access with only 9 countries out of 22 countries and territories (American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Samoa), now having access to submarine fibre cables. Practically all the submarine cables run in the south north direction and there is now a need to try and link some of the island countries through east-west connections. Tonga and Vanuatu are close to implementing stage of their respective submarine cables. The World Bank and ADB are working very closely with and assisting many island countries in their plans to access submarine cables.

A major challenge for many island countries is linking those at the rural and remote areas to modern communication in particular where it does not make economic sense to attract private sector providers. The Pacific Rural Internet Connectivity System (PacRICS) using Ku Band technology commissioned by SPC and managed by PacTel isan example of a low-cost pan-Pacific internet connectivity that is suitable for all rural and remote areas in the Pacific. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL The GE 23 satellite which powers PacRICS covers the full Pacific footprint thus making it perhaps the only satellite that has this feature. There are now in excess of 120 PacRICS installations throughout the region, the bulk of which are private and operating commercially and the service has been excellent. In January this year 5 government ministries in Solomon Islands signed an agreement to install 24 PacRICS sites in the various provinces to improve communications. 17 of the 24 sites will be located in health facilities but available for use by the other ministries at each location. PacRICS domain is pre-paid and available to all providers. It is cheap, it is reliable, and it works.

Bringing internet connectivity to the rural and remote areas is a huge achievement in many island countries. 56 However the use of the One laptop per child has added a new dimension to this by expanding the reach of the satellite dish by up to 1 kilometre from the actual satellite dish through its very powerful intranet capability and enables the OLPC to pick up the internet signal up to 1 kilometre away. This feature has assisted many rural are children in schools where OLPCs have been piloted in the region because many of these rural schools do not have library resources nor boarding facilities so children access information through the school server up to 1 kilometre away for their work out of hours. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Low hanging fruits in the ICT area would include: • Progressive implementation of submarine cable technology that would ultimately reach most PICTs and provide unlimited bandwidth by 2015 • Expanding the roll-out of PacRICS technology to many rural and remote communities • Expanding the roll out of OLPC technology for education and communication purposes • Updating of legislative and regulatory frameworks in the ICT sector in some countries • Enhance cyber legislation and cyber security

I have highlighted a few areas that would greatly add value island countries and at the same time provide good examples of the kinds of developments that are envisaged by the Pacific Plan. If we are able to address these areas we would have set a solid foundation for moving forward in these sectors.

Partnership is crucial in taking forward many of these ideas and I acknowledge with appreciation the positive engagement shown by all our partners – (CROP agencies, donors, private sector, civil society, members, international and regional organisation) not only in making this meeting happen but also by assisting and advising on the papers, the agendas and also by assisting in the development of the frameworks and the respective implementation plans.

There are many challenges ahead. However in this room today we have a collective knowledge and wisdom of more than 1000 person years. I hope we can bring that knowledge to bear and help pave the path for the future of our countries and our region, learning from the lessons of the past, the realities of today and guided by our collective vision and hope for tomorrow.

Perhaps the most important question for each of us to ask today is how do we wish to see our respective countries 50 years from now? If we can picture what we would like our countries to look like 50 years from now, when the populations of island countries will have increased by between 50 to 100 per cent against a scenario where our land and natural resources remain the same - we can adopt a planning process that will help achieve our vision.

Hard questions are being asked of the leaders of today. We cannot leave the responsibility for making decisions to others. The greatest challenge facing today’s leaders and decision makers, is that of making the right decisions for current and future generations of Pacific people.

In closing I quote from my concluding remarks in the SPC publication, Meeting House of the Pacific: The story of SPC 1947 – 2007:

The main question, then, is ‘How can our region embark on development processes that will benefit the present generation of Pacific Island people but not undermine the sustainability of our resources and the livelihood of future generations?’

Decisions and choices made by today’s Pacific leaders and decision-makers not only affect the livelihoods of people now, they also help determine the future of our region and the type of future we leave for following generations.

What legacy will we leave? Or, to put it another way, how will future generations view this generation of Pacific Island leaders and decision-makers? The answer to this question must inform the choices and decisions that all of us make now1.

1 Meeting House of the Pacific – the story of SPC 1947 – 2007; SPC, 2007 57 Annex 4

Introductory remarks by Mr. Feleti P Teo, Deputy Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS)

Your Excellencies Hon Prime Minister of Cook Islands Distinguished Ministers SPC Director General; Dr Jimmie Rodgers Senior Government Officials Development Partners Fellow colleagues from CROP agencies Ladies and gentlemen

Let me start by thanking Dr Jimmie Rodgers and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community for the courtesy of the invitation and the opportunity for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to address the opening plenary of this august and historical regional gathering of ministers responsible for the key sectors of Energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Transport.

The Forum Secretary-General, HE Tuiloma Neroni Slade, is unable to be here this week, and he asked me to and I do so now convey to you his sincere regrets for not being able to be here this week and he passes on his best wishes for a productive and highly fruitful meeting.

Your gathering this week is historical. It is the first time ministers of these three key sectors have met jointly. It is also unique, as it presents a rare opportunity for Ministers and Officials with responsibilities in these sectors to jointly discuss not only issues pertaining to each of the sector, but also to consider cross cutting development issues that impact right across the three sectors.

Though your meeting this week is historical and unique, I am hopeful that the outcomes of this week would demonstrate the value and added advantage of such cross sectoral discussions that would pave the way for regular gatherings of this sort in the future.

I commend and congratulate SPC for convening such a meeting this week and for the logistical arrangements in support of the meeting.

The Forum Secretariat does view the meeting this week as an important opportunity to review the performance of the region in these key sectors against the relevant Pacific Plan priorities. The Pacific Plan, adopted by the region in 2005, remains the key strategic driver for regional cooperation and integration.

Forum Leaders’ at their meeting in 2009 endorsed five key themes and related priorities for implementation under the Pacific Plan. The themes and priorities are expressed in terms of the region’s unique vulnerabilities.

The priorities include work to implement the Pacific Energy Ministers’ decisions of 2009; strengthening regional ICT services; addressing issues that hinder the movement of goods and services, in particular

The outcomes of this meeting will inevitably form part of the assessment to Leaders on how the region is tracking against development priorities in these key sectors.

The importance of infrastructure was reiterated by Leaders through the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the Pacific. The Development Coordination Compact aims to drive more effective coordination of available development resources to Forum Island Countries, in order to achieve real progress against the Millennium Development Goals and the development goals under national 58 development plans and the Pacific Plan.

Leaders have recognized that greater investment in infrastructure underpin economic development. So the sectors represented here today are clearly central to the long-term, sustainable development of Forum Island Countries and the region as a whole.

Infrastructure provides the basis for growth in our region. It is the linkages to markets through aviation and INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 shipping and the ports and airports. It is the telecommunications and internet that link our communities and improve the ability of citizens to provide input into government. It is electricity and energy that powers our economies and the critical inputs into improving health and education services in our region.

Without well maintained and effective infrastructure, the likelihood of countries in this region achieving the MDGs, and their own national development goals are remote and the opportunities for our communities, businesses and governments greatly diminished.

But let’s not understate the enormity of the challenges and the significant constraints this region encounters (or must overcome) in terms of infrastructure development.

To mention some of the challenges.

There is the critical need to improve cooperation and coordination of national development plans and infrastructure plans and the lack of adequate resources to implement those plans. There are the sensitive and delicate issues around access and ownership of land and the sea. The absence of the private sector in providing infrastructure services. And, the issue of sustainability of infrastructure projects given the requirements, specifications and stipulations of development partners funding those projects.

It is important, therefore, at this meeting that we must seek to address these challenges through the development of appropriate regional level frameworks and work plans. Framework and work plan that support and compliment the specific requirements of national development plans and those in developing infrastructure.

From a regional perspective, there are already notable achievements in these sectors. They include the implementation of the Forum Principles on Regional Transport Services; the establishment of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office; the development of the Pacific ICT Regulatory Resource Centre; and the endorsement of the Frameworks for Actions in energy and ICT by Forum Leaders in 2010.

Other regional initiatives supported by the Forum Secretariat in support of the principle that greater investment in infrastructure underpins greater economic development, include: a) trade reforms through the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), currently covers trade in goods only, but negotiations are ongoing to extend it to trade in services; b) supporting regulatory reforms in the development of a regional regulatory stepladder; c) supporting the bulk fuel procurement as part of the Pacific Petroleum Project; d) improving the linkages between national planning, budgeting and infrastructure development as part of the Cairns Compact; e) developing an Options Paper for Forum Economic Ministers on access to, and management of, climate change funds; and f) strengthening financial management in Forum Island Countries through the Public Financial Management Roadmap.

The challenge remains, though that in operationalising those regional initiatives, countries must be in a 59 position to demonstrate and realize the tangible benefits of those regional initiatives at the national level, where it matters the most.

Looking ahead, there are also a range of new and emerging challenges and opportunities for infrastructure in the region.

Tackling the impacts of climate change is the greatest challenge facing us today. Countries in the region need to start to consider that the placement and shelf-life of infrastructure will be seriously affected in the coming years by changing weather patterns and the increased risk of extreme weather events. We must look to improved planning and more resilient infrastructure for our communities in the future.

There are also pressing economic and social pressures from increasing food and commodity prices. The recent increases, in the last few months, reminds us again of the heavy dependence of the region on the importation of many basic foods and key commodities, such as oil, that power our economies and move our people and goods around the region.

Improvements in infrastructure, especially rural infrastructure, can improve the linkages between food producing areas and urban communities. This would facilitate easy access and increase supply of local agriculture and fisheries products to urban communities, which in turn reduce prices of food commodities.

Similarly, efficient local ports, electricity services, competitive coastal shipping services and telecommunications complemented by open tenders for fuel supply can reduce prices and improve the economic prospects for local business.

In light of the region’s capacity constraints, its geographical disadvantages and severe vulnerabilities, the only way the region can address the development challenges in these key sectors is to pool our resources and capacities together and to work collaboratively and cooperatively.

By doing so, the region stands a brighter prospect to achieve the vision of our Leaders under the Pacific Plan for “a region of peace, harmony, security, economic prosperity, so that all of its people can lead free and worthwhile lives”.

Distinguished Ministers, your efforts and the region’s efforts in developing cooperative responses to the development challenges in the key sectors energy, ICT and transport would be fundamental and a significant contribution to the realization that vision.

I thank you.

END. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL

60 Annex 5

Setting the Scene by Captain John Hogan, Director, Economic Development Division, SPC

Officials of ministries and departments responsible for energy, ICT and transport in the Pacific INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Members of the diplomatic corps (check for equivalent) Development partners Representatives of international and regional organisations Ladies and gentlemen

On behalf of the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, I extend a warm welcome to you to SPC’s headquarters in New Caledonia. This meeting is an historic event for SPC as we take an integrated approach to addressing the key challenges in three important sectors — energy, ICT and transport.

The theme for this inaugural meeting was aptly chosen as ‘strategic engagement for economic development using the key drivers of energy, ICT and transport’ to symbolise the ‘many partners – one team’ approach to addressing these challenges in collaboration with our member countries and partners.

The linkages between energy, ICT and transport are very pronounced and in this day and age, one can’t look at these things in isolation or silos.

If you consider the linkages between ICT and transport sectors:

The Pacific countries still have low teledensity (average 10%) but growing penetration in the mobile density especially in Pacific countries with open telecommunication market. These countries are facing impressive growth to around 50% and with some having close to 100% geographical coverage. The high mobile density provides an opportunity to reach rural and remote communities and to address lack of financial institutions coverage in the rural areas.

In the transport sector ICT systems are use for a variety of reasons including:

• Websites; • Finance and HR systems; • Schedules of ships; • Booking systems; • Tracking and tracing containers including materials being shipped; and • Electronic payment systems. If you consider the linkages between ICT and energy sectors:

ICTs play a critical role in addressing the consequences of climate change. For example, the monitoring of rising sea levels is dependent on ICTs as well as on qualified personnel to manage and maintain these systems.

Food security in the Pacific, now and in the future, is threatened by a number of factors including growing dependence on imports, population growth, increasing urbanisation, challenges in agriculture and fisheries, climate change, global economic shocks and a lack of information and communication technology in rural areas.

ICT is helping to reduce the vulnerability of Pacific Islands communities to the effects of climate change by strengthening local participation and collaboration, for instance on coastal and marine conservation. Also 61 seen from the perspective of preserving cultural identity, ICTs can help the people of our region through education and the promotion of strong local ownership in the management of traditional knowledge related to climate change. Inevitably, there will be migration caused by rising sea levels and the need to preserve communities and their heritage as they become dispersed, will become increasingly dependent on ICTs.

If you consider the linkages between energy and transport:

The transport sector is the highest consumption of fossil fuels in the Pacific accounting to 42% in PNG, 54% in Fiji, and 75% on average for other PICTs. The key principle underpinning the envisioned regional energy and transport activities is that of ‘adding value to national level programmes and maximising national development outcomes’ as outline in the respective national policies, plans and roadmaps. In this regard, regionally delivered services will support, strengthen and/or supplement or complement national programmes in areas that individual countries and territories cannot effectively address.

The transport sector in the region is totally reliant on petroleum products for its energy source. The quality, pricing and consumption of these products play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of the sector.

Fuel quality, with particular reference to diesel (ADO), has been a challenging issue in the region where at present there are about five different qualities of ADO been used. Fuel pricing across the region has been dictated by world market prices which has great impacts on Pacific economies.

On a related scenario, inter-island domestic shipping services play an important role in providing energy security to the outer-island communities. The irregular schedules and high freight costs are issues that have been associated with access to energy (fuel).

As you can see, these three sectors have numerous cross cutting impacts and SPC will endeavour to harmonise the outcomes across all sectors and gain maximum synergies where possible.

With these words, I wish you all the best in today’s deliberations and look forward to a long and promising engagement of SPC’s Economic Development Division with the energy, ICT and transport sectors in the Pacific.

Thank you and merci beaucoup. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL

62 Annex 6

PACIFIC REGIONAL ICT MEETING

(Monday 4 April 2011, Noumea, New Caledonia) INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Officials Meeting Outcome

The Pacific Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Meeting was held on 4 April 2011 at SPC headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia. The meeting was attended by senior officials from Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Observers included the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT), Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec), Digital Observatory of New Caledonia, European Investment Bank (EIB), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), InternetNZ, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), One Laptop per Child (OLPC); OPT; Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The University of the South Pacific (USP) and the World Bank (WB).

The meeting was convened as part of the Inaugural Regional Meeting of Ministers for Energy, ICT and Transport organised by SPC with the support of the European Union through the EU ACP ICT Access for the Poor project.

The meeting was chaired by Mr Henao Iduhu, Secretary, Department of Communication & Information, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

AGENDA ITEM 1: STATUS OF PROGRESS AGAINST THE TONGA DECLARATION

1. The meeting recalled the Tonga Declaration made at the Pacific Regional ICT Ministers meeting of 18 June 2010, Fa’onelua Convention Centre, Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

2. The meeting further recalled the Framework for Action on ICT for Development in the Pacific (FAIDP) that was endorsed by the Pacific Island countries and territories’ (PICTs) ICT ministers at their June 2010 meeting in Tonga as part of the Tonga Declaration. In the declaration, PICT ministers requested SPC to coordinate the implementation of FAIDP in collaboration with USP and other development partners.

3. The meeting: (i) acknowledged the work undertaken by partners in the ICT sector; (ii) noted that SPC and USP are alternately chairing the CROP2 ICT Working Group; (iii) noted that SPC is now an official observer of the Government Advisory Committee (GAC); (iv) noted the efforts of partners to assist the media and build their capacity; (v) emphasised the importance of capturing traditional knowledge and historical documents, and facilitating knowledge sharing, and requested SPC and partners to seek funding to assist PICTs; (vi) while acknowledging efforts to collaborate more and to coordinate efforts, expressed concern that there was still some duplication of activities and lack of coordination; (vii) noted that the review of the Digital Strategy was accepted at the ICT ministers meeting in Tonga; (viii) noted that the PIRRC3 Working Group met a number of times and will report under Agenda Item 2 (g); (ix) noted that an assessment of cyber legislation in PICTs was carried out by ITU/ICB4PAC4 and that SPC, in partnership with the Council of Europe and the Australian Government’s Attorney-General’s Department will conduct a cybercrime legislation workshop at the end of April 2011 and encouraged these partners to continue collaborating to develop regional strategies to combat cybercrime; (x)

2 Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific 3 Pacific ICT Regulatory Resource Centre 4 Capacity Building and ICT Policy, Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks Support for Pacific Island Countries 63 noted that PICTs needed to have an IPv65 transition plan and encouraged partners to monitor their status and report back to PICTs; (xi) recognised efforts to mainstream ICT in formal courses of study including the diploma in telecommunication management and the requirement to take an ICT course in all USP programmes; (xii & xiii) noted the increased partnerships between SPC, USP, PITA6, ITU, UN- APCICT/ESCAP7 with other partners in capacity building initiatives; (xiv) noted that ITU have discussed the future of the ICB4PAC project with the European Commission; (xv) requested SPC, USP and PITA to continue exploring and sharing cost-effective solutions and sharing best practices with PICTs; (xvi) acknowledged work currently being undertaken to draft ICT4DRR8 and disaster management guidelines and training materials for PICTs; (xvii) noted that ADB is currently considering potential projects; (xix) noted the Pacific Internet Governance Forum convened by SPC and partners in Noumea, New Caledonia (9−10 April 2011); (xx) noted that PacCERT9 is hosted at USP’s Japan Pacific ICT Centre; (xxi) noted that ITU continues to work on ICT applications for telecentres; (xxii) noted that SPC and SPREP signed a letter of agreement relating to the development of a regional e-waste programme and (xxiii) that this has been completed; (xxiv) noted that a draft implementation plan for FAIDP has been developed; (xxv) acknowledged that SPC, USP and development partners continue to work on implementing FAIDP; (xxvi) noted plans to review FAIDP in 2013; and (xxvii) recognised the financial requirements for convening a Ministerial to consider the findings of the FAIDP review.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Pacific ICT ministers are invited to:

(i) Acknowledge the efforts of SPC, USP, CROP agencies and development partners in implementing the Tonga Declaration, recognise the need for national and regional resources to support the implementation of the Tonga Declaration, and request SPC and USP to continue monitoring progress in implementing the Tonga Declaration.

AGENDA ITEM 2 (a – m): PARTNERS AND REGIONAL INITIATIVES

4. The meeting acknowledged and recognised the continued support from ICT and development partners on assistance to countries in addressing a variety of key ICT development issues and noted the presentations from the following organisations:

Pacific Islands Computer Emergency Response Team (PacCERT)

5. The meeting noted the update on the activities and status of the Pacific Islands Computer Emergency Response Team (PacCERT) since the last ICT ministerial meeting held in Tonga in June 2010. The meeting also noted: (i) USP’s hosting of PacCERT in Suva, Fiji, and provision of the initial resources and staffing to progress PacCERT operations; (ii) the establishment of a PacCERT Board, comprising USP, SPC, PITA, PICISOC, and representatives from Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia with USP as the chair of the board; (iii) JICA’s contribution for office equipment and the proposed training of PacCERT staff; (iv) ITU contribution of USD 10,000 for staffing of PacCERT; (v) the financial and staffing constraints and the board’s attempt to seek a permanent solution, while putting in place temporary measures to fulfil PacCERT’s objectives. The meeting also noted the opportunity presented by the Ministry of Communication in Fiji to consider addressing the value added tax (VAT) issue relating to purchase of PacCERT equipment.

6. The meeting noted the proposed activities of SPC and SPREP to better manage e-waste in the Pacific Islands region. The meeting also noted: (i) that e-waste management is one of the strategies of the

5 Internet Protocol version 6 6 Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) 7 United Nations - Asia and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development/Eco nomic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific 8 ICT for disaster risk management 9 Pacific Islands Computer Emergency Response Team 64 endorsed FAIDP; and (ii) the signing of the letter of agreement between SPREP and SPC, which forms the basis of a collaborative approach to e-waste management in the region. Furthermore, the meeting noted the key actions undertaken by SPC and SPREP in addressing e-waste in PICTs, which included: (i) completion of a report on lessons learned from the highly successful Cook Islands e-waste day held in November 2010; (ii) development of a generic model for organising regional e-waste days based on the Cook Islands experience; (iii) completion of a Regional (Pacific) E-waste Strategy to

support and promote local initiatives and enacting of national legislation to support implementation INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 of these initiatives. Australia advised that Standards Australia is developing a joint Australia and New Zealand Standard for the collection, handling, and transportation and recycling of e-waste to ensure that occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental performance are addressed. The Australian government offered to share information on the development of this standard to SPC and other interested parties, which may contribute to the development of the Regional (Pacific) e-waste strategy.

Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC) update

7. The meeting noted progress on PICISOC’s initiatives to support the growing interest in the development of ICT and Internet in the Pacific. The meeting also noted: (i) the ‘Green IT’ approach adopted by PICISOC to address initiatives and issues surrounding climate change and environmental sustainability, which in turn support the initiatives of SPC to reduce the carbon footprint in the Pacific − making it a top priority in 2011; (ii) the inaugural Pacific Internet Governance Forum (IGF) being organised in New Caledonia, 9−10 April 2011; (iii) PICISOC’s work towards facilitating broader involvement of Pacific nations in ICANN discussions and decision-making; and (iv) the strong focus of PICISOC on the rights of people to have equitable access to information on the Internet. The meeting also noted the submission by PICISOC that is currently under consideration by ICANN to create another region (or special interest group) that represents the needs and concerns of Pacific small island developing states at ICANN.

APNIC: Strategic linkage between government policies and IPv6

8. The meeting noted APNIC’s presentation on the strategic linkage between government policies and IPv6, focusing on issues relating to the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses and the need for countries to adopt IPv6. The meeting also noted: (i) the immediate and prolonged impact of the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses; (ii) the APEC TEL IPv6 Guidelines for information sharing; and (iii) concerns on transition costs, which could be avoided by having a plan to factor in costs into the replacement of old equipment with new ones.

ITU- EC

9. The meeting noted the update on the ICB4PAC project and acknowledged the efforts ofITUin assessing and strengthening ICT policy and capacity building in the ACP Pacific member countries through in country support and priority topics agreed in planning meetings. The meeting noted that the recommendation tabled last year and is in the Tonga Declaration and requested ITU to liaise with EC and ACP to extend the ICB4PAC project beyond September 2011.

Enhancing information and communication for empowerment and development in the Pacific

10. The meeting noted an update on the progress of UNDP’s initiatives in support of the Pacific Regional Digital Strategy and FAIDP in the Pacific. Furthermore, the meeting noted: (i) the role of ICTin supporting financial services access; (ii) the launch of the ‘Pacific Solution Exchange’ by UNDP in partnership with ADB, PIFS and USP; (iii) the launch of the Pacific Parliaments Network (https://sites. google.com/site/pacificpin/home) by the UNDP Pacific Centre, in partnership with the New Zealand and Australian parliaments; and (iv) the launch of ‘PacificInfo’ (see www.pacificinfo.org) to help policy-makers address data gaps in socio-economic and demographic areas. 65 Establishment of the Pacific ICT Regulatory Resource Centre (PIRRC)

11. The meeting noted progress on the establishment of the Pacific ICT Regional Regulatory Resource Centre (the Centre) as an operating unit within USP and the recommendations concerning membership and governance of the Centre. The meeting also noted that a Director for the Centre had already been recruited and will be based in Suva soon. The meeting agreed that membership fees will be discussed on an individual basis with PICTs.

ICT human capacity building: disaster risk management and climate change adaptation frameworks and ICT and information management systems for disaster risk management in the Pacific

12. The meeting noted the capacity building initiatives in the Pacific region in the use of ICT for national and regional disaster risk management and climate change adaptation through the utilisation of new training modules of the “Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders Programme” (the Academy), developed by UN-APCICT/ESCAP. The meeting also acknowledged the need to develop national and regional human resources and institutional capacity to effectively use ICT to enhance DRR and support climate change adaptation. The meeting acknowledged the progress in the Pacific region on ICT and information management for disaster risk management including the Pacific Disaster Net and the need for dedicated resources to address and satisfy the information needs for DRM in the Pacific region.

The University of the South Pacific ICT initiatives

13. The meeting noted and accepted the progress report from USP on implementation of ICT initiatives since the last ministerial meeting in Tonga in June 2010, and recognised that USP extends its work in ICT to all PICTs. The meeting also noted that: (i) student numbers at USP continue to grow, with an increase of 10% being predicted; (ii) USP has reduced member contributions by 2%, taking into consideration financial situations; and (iii) all USP students are now required to take a coursein communication and information literacy. The meeting commended USP for demonstrating ‘next- generation thinking’ to build ICT capacity in the region through innovative solutions and noted the issues related to ‘brain drain’ in the ICT sector in PICTs. The meeting also noted the close collaboration by USP with SPC, PITA, ITU, JICA and UNAPCICT. The meeting noted the establishment of the Working Group on ICT and Education and its work plan.

SPC Pacific ICT Outreach (PICTO) Programme

14. The meeting noted the activities of the PICTO Programme of SPC’s Economic Development Division and the focus areas: (i) assisting PICTs in reviewing and developing ICT policies; (ii) assisting PICTs to strengthen cyber legislation; (iii) supporting e-Government initiatives and assisting inthe development of e-Government plans; (iv) supporting capacity building, especially using the Academy of ICT essentials; (v) providing support to Pacific ACP Parliaments; (vi) implementing the PacRICS (Pacific Rural Internet Connectivity System) and OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) projects; and (vii) undertaking coordination. The meeting also supported recommendations that PICT ICT projects incorporate monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The meeting further noted the combined regional ICT activities and requested SPC to continue compiling a schedule of the activities of

INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL development partners in the Pacific and to inform member countries regularly. The meeting noted that SPC continues to work with PICTs to trial the OLPC approach to computers in basic education and to ensure children have access to educational content relevant to Pacific needs (there are currently more than 4600 XO computers being used by children in 41 schools in 10 Pacific countries). PacRICS is now scaling up to widespread deployment following successful sustainable commercial operation. There are over 120 systems currently deployed, delivering life-saving services to government, schools and villages.

66 ICT applications for telecentres

15. The meeting noted apologies from ITU for not being able to present at the meeting andthe request to consider the recommendations in the paper tabled. The meeting also noted thatthe recommendations were the same as last year’s and requested ITU to report on progress made since the last ICT meeting in Tonga. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT, (ICT) 2011 Asia-Pacific Telecommunity in the Pacific

16. The meeting noted APT’s programmes in the Pacific and also in the wider regional programme for Asia and the Pacific. APT also assists PICs in preparing for ITU global forums and preparatory meetings. The meeting acknowledged APT’s continuing engagement with PICs to develop ICT in the region.

World Bank - Pacific regional connectivity

17. The meeting noted the World Bank’s report on progress towards improving international/regional connectivity in the Pacific region. The meeting noted the interest of private and public sector stakeholders in the development of additional submarine cable networks in other Pacific countries, including prospectively Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and noted the potential financial support from the World Bank and other development partners to facilitate such projects through public-private partnerships or other catalytic mechanisms. The meeting acknowledged the progress made with the preparation of the Tonga-Fiji Connectivity Project to build a submarine cable from Nuku’alofa to Suva in 2012, with the support of the World Bank and the ADB, and led by the Tongan Government’s Steering Committee (Cabinet Sub-Committee on ICT).

RECOMMENDATIONS: Pacific ICT ministers are invited to: i. Encourage PICTs to join PacCERT for a membership fee to be set by the PacCERT Board; ii. Request ITU to provide financial support to PacCERT and to continue assisting PacCERT to ensure it is sustainable as it is a key initiative for the Pacific, recognising the economic significance of a cyber security breach and the impact on the lives of the Pacific community; iii. Recognise the key role of ITU in ICT and telecommunication development in the Pacific and request ITU to re-establish a subregional office in the Pacific and request to extend the ICB4PAC project; iv. Request SPREP and SPC to strengthen regional collaboration in addressing emerging e-waste problems in the Pacific region and develop a regional e-waste programme; v. Encourage all PICTs to participate in ICANN, APT preparatory meetings for global ITU meetings, and APT General Assembly and Management Committee meetings to ensure that Pacific issues are addressed and that endorsed priorities are incorporated in these organisations’ working programmes; vi. Assist industry in the Pacific region by providing certainty and support in the process of IPv6 take-up and request SPC, USP, PITA and relevant partners to develop a Pacific Regional IPv6 Action Plan for the Pacific in collaboration with expert organisations and relevant stakeholders; vii. Recognise UNDP’s initiatives in Pacific Island nations to enhance the role of ICT in development, especially in facilitating access to financial services and knowledge sharing; viii. Support the invitation to Forum Island member countries to join the PIRRC for a membership fee as set by the Centre Management Committee and for non-Forum Pacific member countries and territories to apply for membership of PIRRC; endorse the governance arrangements for the Centre as proposed in the PIRRC paper; and authorise the PIRRC Working Group to conclude the necessary administrative arrangements with USP to allow the Centre to commence operations; ix. Support the initiatives of SPC and USP in national and regional capacity development; and support the implementation and delivery of training on UN-APCICT/ESCAP’s Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders program, especially on ICT for development, DRR, and climate change; x. Recognise and continue to support the cross-cutting work in ICT that is being undertaken by all donor partners; 67 xi. Support closer collaboration and information sharing with the energy and transport sectors; xii. Recognise the significance of improved connectivity for broad-based economic and social development in the region, in particular the impact of broadband Internet on socio-economic development in PICTs; and xiii. Encourage PICTs to establish national-level steering committees to review and refine international/ regional connectivity needs and consider investment options, and to establish a clear mechanism for coordination with external partners.

Agenda Item 3: Pacific Regional ICT Strategic Action Plan (PRISAP)

18. The meeting noted that PRISAP had been formulated in response to the request from Pacific Regional ICT Ministers in June 2010 to develop an implementation plan for the ‘Framework for Action on ICT for Development in the Pacific’ (FAIDP). The PRISAP objective is to capture ICT activities in the Pacific region, identify actions and activities to implement the objectives and strategies in FAIDP, and provide guidance to regional interventions.

19. Furthermore, Pacific ICT ministers requested SPC to coordinate the implementation of FAIDP in collaboration with USP and development partners. The coordination role is not about controlling partners’ work programmes but rather to provide mechanisms to ensure duplication is minimised and synergies and complementary activities are exploited. These mechanisms include better arrangements for sharing of data and information, and more regular consultations between partners on ICT activities in the region.

20. The development of PRISAP was led by SPC in collaboration with USP, the Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific (CROP) ICT Working Group, Special ICT Advisory Group (SIAG), development partners, and Pacific Island countries and territories. The meeting noted the important role SIAG plays in ensuring regional ICT activities are relevant locally and can contribute to the implementation of national ICT policies.

21. New Zealand had questions about the case for SPC undertaking all of the actions that are attributed to SPC in the ICT and other two (energy & transport) implementation plans. They wish to explore this further during ministerial meetings this week, and therefore reserved their positions on the ICT and other two plans.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Pacific ICT Ministers are invited to:

i. Endorse the Pacific Regional ICT Strategic Action Plan (PRISAP);

ii. Request SPC, USP and development partners to work with PICTs to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of PRISAP; and

iii. Request development partners to continue working with regional agencies to enhance coordination and collaboration in implementing PRISAP. INAUGURAL REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR ENERGY, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, 2011 (ICT) AND TRANSPORT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION INFORMATION ENERGY, REGIONAL MEETING OF MINISTERS FOR INAUGURAL