DOCSLIB.ORG

EDITED by MICHAEL POWLES MICHAEL by EDITED Pacific Futures

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
EDITED by MICHAEL POWLES MICHAEL by EDITED Pacific Futures Edited b s a region, the nations of the Pacific face continuing challenges to their Aeconomic, political, social and cultural survival. Recognising that the y Mic Pacific Futures question of regional change — whether to cooperate more closely or not — is a key item on the agenda of Pacific Islands Forum, this volume makes a timely hael P and crucial contribution to the debate. Providing excellent arguments about o the implications for more integrated regional governance — and the agendas wles EDITED BY MICHAEL POWLES behind attempts to push through these reforms, Pacific Futures is essential reading for those seeking to understand how the region can move forward. In four sections, these essays address issues of governance, human rights and custom, law reform, language and culture loss, the potential for a single P acif currency, labour mobility and development assistance. Written by academics and professionals from the region and beyond, the arguments are presented under the uniting theme of sovereignty and the idea of a Pacific community. ic F Also including reflective contributions by some of the Pacific’s most widely respected leaders such as Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, Bishop Jabez utur Bryce, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, Sir Mekere Morauta and Judge Tuiloma Neroni Slade, Pacific Futures sets a standard for discourse on regional development. es ounding chairman of New Zealand’s Pacific Cooperation Foundation, FMichael Powles was formerly New Zealand’s ambassador to the United Nations and before that to China. Earlier, he lived and worked in the Pacific, including as a child in Samoa, as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu and worked on human rights issues. Pacific Futures is published in association with the Pacific Cooperation Foundation of New Zealand. PANDANUS BOOKS Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies www.pandanusbooks.com.au P AND ANUS B OOKS Pacific Futures Pacific Futures EDITED BY MICHAEL POWLES PANDANUS BOOKS Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY Cover credit: Logo of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation of New Zealand. © Pacific Cooperation Foundation. © Copyright for individual essays rests with the authors. © Pandanus Books 2006. This book is copyright in all countries subscribing to the Berne convention. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Typeset in Garamond 11pt on 14.5pt and printed by Pirion, Canberra National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Pacific futures. Includes index. ISBN 1 74076 187 1. 1. Pacific Area. 2. Pacific Area — Commerce. 3. Pacific Area — Economic conditions. 4. Pacific Area — Foreign relations. 5. Pacific Area — Politics and government. I. Powles, Michael. II. Australian National University. Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies. 990 Editorial inquiries please contact Pandanus Books on 02 6125 3269 www.pandanusbooks.com.au Pacific Futures is published with financial assistance from the Pacific Cooperation Foundation of New Zealand (www.pcf.org.nz) and support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Foundation or the Ministry. PCF: PO Box 10 467, Wellington, New Zealand, PH: +64 4 9319380, Fax: +64 4 9319382, Email: [email protected], Website: www.pcf.org.nz Published by Pandanus Books, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Pandanus Books are distributed by UNIREPS, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052 Telephone 02 9664 0999 Fax 02 9664 5420 Production: Ian Templeman, Justine Molony and Emily Brissenden Foreword Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Aiono Malielegaoi 1 At their Special Meeting in Auckland in April 2004, Pacific leaders adopted a far- reaching vision for the future of the region: Leaders believe the Pacific region can, should and will be a region of peace, harmony, security and economic prosperity, so that all of its people can lead free and worthwhile lives. We treasure the diversity of the Pacific and seek a future in which its cultures, traditions and religious beliefs are valued, honoured and developed. We seek a Pacific region that is respected for the quality of its governance, the sustainable management of its resources, the full observance of democratic values and for its defence and promotion of human rights. We seek partnerships with our neighbours and beyond to develop our knowledge, to improve our communications and to ensure a sustainable economic existence for all. This vision recognises that the Pacific has moved into a new historical era, which calls for a reassessment of the approaches we take to the issues that we face. For us, the immediate post-colonial period, in which the countries of the region gained and shaped their political independence, is coming to an end. In a rapidly changing world, we need to find our proper place, a place that will bring real and lasting benefits to our citizens. The new arrangements we make must offer Pacific solutions to unique Pacific challenges. At the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Apia in August 2004, leaders confirmed their wish that a comprehensive Pacific Plan be developed, an instrument that would carry forward their vision by developing a deeper level of regional cooperation, which might lead us to a more effective degree of real integration. Development of the plan is now under way. viii Above all, the leaders want the plan to be practical. We want it to identify, on a sectoral basis for a start, where the region can, gain the most from sharing its often limited resources. We want it to identify areas and ways that will produce resource savings, harmonise processes and align policies. We want it to deliver real benefits to the people of the Pacific by proposing concrete plans for enhancing economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security — the key goals of the forum. Regionalism in the Pacific has had its successes. It has been a process without which the region might well have been considerably worse off. Notwithstanding those successes, I think we have to admit that our commitment to regionalism has been, at most, partial and intermittent. It is unsurprising, and natural, that this should be so — in a world of sovereign states, we shall, in the Pacific as elsewhere, continue to identify our vital inter- ests in national terms. But what the leaders’ vision is pointing to is that we need to look much more closely at the extent to which those interests might be sufficiently similar to be pursued regionally. I have emphasised the need for a practical approach to regional cooperation. That is a sine qua non; without delivery of practical benefits, efforts to cooperate will, quite rightly, not gain the support they must have. But there are also broader questions raised by the leaders’ vision, which those concerned for the future of the region need to contem- plate. Just what is the Pacific region? Are we a genuine combination of like-minded states, held together by abidingly strong cultural affinities and shared experience in what is, globally speaking, a unique environment? Or are we, in essence, a historical construct, flung together by the whims of our colonisers, a region by default? Or are we, in a mundane, down-to-earth way, a marriage of convenience, a strictly limited commitment with limited mutual attractions? What is to be the nature of our relationships with the wider world? How are our small states going to find a place, one that pays some regard to their views and interests, in a globalised world? How will we best interact with our neighbours, some of them very powerful and likely to become more so, on the rim of the Pacific? How do we most effec- tively interact with those parts of our region that have not achieved independence, the territories and other entities? And what is the future role vis-a-vis the island states of our larger, wealthier forum members, New Zealand and Australia? To what extent — and allowing that their situations are far from identical — will they further develop their roles as full members of a Pacific community? All of these questions — and they are only some of those that face us — are much easier to ask than to answer. But they not only need to be asked, but debated widely and with originality, by people right across the region. There is a cynical view that there has been enough talk, that the problems of the Pacific Island countries ‘have been done to death’. I, like many others, get weary sometimes with what seem to be the endless series of consultants and other savants who pronounce on us about almost everything. But I am also very conscious that the Pacific faces a time of rapid change and very serious challenges. We have to diagnose and understand thosethese changes and challenges as accurately as we can if we are to have any chance of fashioning adequate responses. To do that, we have to ask the right questions of the right people — the people of the region themselves. ix I hope that the consultation process, which will be a crucial part of the develop- ment of the Pacific Plan, will open up these many questions. As I say, we must also be immediately practical and that is how the task force charged with putting together proposals for the Pacific Plan has approached its job. So much of what we are really talking about in this context is about service delivery, a key function for any government, whatever its size. How can better regional cooperation ensure, at national levels, improved education and health services, more effective transportation facilities, the opportunity to develop a commercial enterprise, those very fundamental things on which people base their aspirations for better lives? And — a very important question — how do we imple- ment good regional policies? We have, for many years now, been devising strategies and plans at regional levels, which, on paper, have all the appearance of usefulness.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Southwest Pacific: U.S
    Order Code RL34086 The Southwest Pacific: U.S. Interests and China’s Growing Influence July 6, 2007 Thomas Lum Specialist in Asian Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Bruce Vaughn Specialist in Asian Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division The Southwest Pacific: U.S. Interests and China’s Growing Influence Summary This report focuses on the 14 sovereign nations of the Southwest Pacific, or Pacific Islands region, and the major external powers (the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France, Japan, and China). It provides an explanation of the region’s main geographical, political, and economic characteristics and discusses United States interests in the Pacific and the increased influence of China, which has become a growing force in the region. The report describes policy options as considered at the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders, held in Washington, DC, in March 2007. Although small in total population (approximately 8 million) and relatively low in economic development, the Southwest Pacific is strategically important. The United States plays an overarching security role in the region, but it is not the only provider of security, nor the principal source of foreign aid. It has relied upon Australia and New Zealand to help promote development and maintain political stability in the region. Key components of U.S. engagement in the Pacific include its territories (Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa), the Freely Associated States (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau), military bases on Guam and Kwajalein atoll (Marshall Islands), and relatively limited aid and economic programs. Some experts argue that U.S. involvement in the Southwest Pacific has waned since the end of the Cold War, leaving a power vacuum, and that the United States should pay greater attention to the region and its problems.
    [Show full text]
  • Country Report September 2003
    Country Report September 2003 Samoa September 2003 The Economist Intelligence Unit 15 Regent St, London SW1Y 4LR United Kingdom The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit is a specialist publisher serving companies establishing and managing operations across national borders. For over 50 years it has been a source of information on business developments, economic and political trends, government regulations and corporate practice worldwide. The Economist Intelligence Unit delivers its information in four ways: through its digital portfolio, where the latest analysis is updated daily; through printed subscription products ranging from newsletters to annual reference works; through research reports; and by organising seminars and presentations. The firm is a member of The Economist Group. London New York Hong Kong The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit 15 Regent St The Economist Building 60/F, Central Plaza London 111 West 57th Street 18 Harbour Road SW1Y 4LR New York Wanchai United Kingdom NY 10019, US Hong Kong Tel: (44.20) 7830 1007 Tel: (1.212) 554 0600 Tel: (852) 2585 3888 Fax: (44.20) 7830 1023 Fax: (1.212) 586 0248 Fax: (852) 2802 7638 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eiu.com Electronic delivery This publication can be viewed by subscribing online at www.store.eiu.com Reports are also available in various other electronic formats, such as CD-ROM, Lotus Notes, online databases and as direct feeds to corporate intranets. For further information, please contact your nearest Economist Intelligence Unit office Copyright © 2003 The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited.
    [Show full text]
  • Australia, the Southwest Pacific, and United States Interests
    Order Code RL32187 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Australia, the Southwest Pacific, and United States Interests January 7, 2004 name redacted and name redacted Analysts in Asian Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress Australia, the Southwest Pacific, and United States Interests Summary The major U.S. interests in the Southwest Pacific are preventing the rise of terrorist threats, working with and maintaining the region’s U.S. territories, commonwealths, and military bases (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Reagan Missile Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands), and enhancing U.S.-Australian cooperation in pursuing mutual political, economic, and strategic objectives in the area. The United States and Australia share common interests in countering transnational crime and preventing the infiltration of terrorist organizations in the Southwest Pacific, hedging against the growing influence of China, and promoting political stability and economic development. The United States has supported Australia’s increasingly proactive stance and troop deployment in Pacific Island nations torn by political and civil strife such as East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Australia may play a greater strategic role in the region as the United States seeks to redeploy its Asia-Pacific force structure. This report will be updated as needed. Contents U.S. Interests in the Southwest Pacific .................................1 The Evolving U.S.-Australian Strategic Relationship......................2 Australia’s Role in the Region........................................5 China’s Growing Regional Influence...................................6 List of Figures Figure 1. Map of the Southwest Pacific ................................7 Australia, the Southwest Pacific, and United States Interests U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Oecd/Undesa/Unescap Workshop on Developing Sustainability Strategies in Asia
    DRAFT AGENDA OECD/UNDESA/UNESCAP WORKSHOP ON DEVELOPING SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES IN ASIA UN Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand, 8-9 March 2007 Purpose: This workshop will review national sustainable development strategies (NSDS) in countries in Asia and the Pacific and their relationship to national development plans and poverty reduction strategies (PRS) with a view to better integration. It is co-sponsored by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Division for Sustainable Development (UNDESA) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). Thursday, 8 March 2007 9h00 – 10h00 Opening Remarks • Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) • Kiyo Akasaka, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD • JoAnne DiSano, Director, UN Division for Sustainable Development (UNDESA) 10h00 – 11h00 Session 1: Sustainability and Development in Asia and the Pacific Overview: Rae Kwon Chung, Director, Environment and Sustainable Development Division, UNESCAP Discussants: • Bertrand Fort, Coordinator, Asia Europe Environment Forum (ASEF) • Jan Adams, Australian Ambassador for Environment, Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) 11h00 – 11h30 Coffee 11h30 – 13h00 • Greg Urwin, Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) • Chong Chun Kim, Director General, Presidential Commission on Sustainable Development, Republic of Korea General Discussion 13h00 – 14h30 Lunch Keynote Speaker -- Emil Salim, Chair, Preparatory Committee, World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) 1 14h30 – 16h00 Session 2: Governance Approaches to National Sustainable Development Strategies in Asia and the Pacific Overview: Representative, UNEP Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific Discussants: • Magarita Roque Songco, Deputy Director General, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippines • B.
    [Show full text]
  • Why Don't Pacific Island Countries' Economies Grow Faster.Pdf
    Pacific Interactions Pasifika in New Zealand – New Zealand in Pasifika Edited by Alastair Bisley Institute of Policy Studies Published in 2008 (online only) http://ips.ac.nz Institute of Policy Studies School of Government Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington © Institute of Policy Studies ISBN 978-1-877347-27-6 IPS/Pub/159 This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced without the permission of the Institute of Policy Studies. Copy editor: Belinda Hill Cover design: Alltex Design Contents List of Figures...............................................................................................................iv List of Maps...................................................................................................................v List of Tables.................................................................................................................v List of Boxes.............................................................................................................. viii Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................ix Introduction –Alastair Bisley.........................................................................................1 1 Emerging Demographic and Socioeconomic Features of the Pacific Population in New Zealand – Paul Callister and Robert Didham ....................13 2 Pacific
    [Show full text]
  • Regional Strategy Paper and Regional Indicative Programme
    EUROPEAN COMMUNITY - PACIFIC REGION Regional Strategy Paper and Regional Indicative Programme 2008-2013 The European Commission and the Pacific region, represented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, hereby agree as follows: (1) The European Commission (represented by Stefano Manservisi, Director-General for Development and Relations with ACP countries, Roberto Ridolfi and Wiepke Van der Goot, respectively former and present Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in the Pacific) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) (represented by Greg Urwin and Tuiloma Neroni Slade, respectively former and present Secretary-General, Iosefa Maiawa, Feleti Teo and Peter Forau, Deputies Secretary-General), hereinafter referred to as the Parties, held discussions in Suva from March 2006 to September 2008 with a view to determining the general direction of cooperation for the period 2008-2013. The European Investment Bank, represented by David Crush, Head of Division, Pacific and Caribbean, was consulted. During these discussions, the Regional Strategy Paper, including an Indicative Progranune of Community Aid in favour of the Pacific, was drawn up in accordance with the provisions of Articles 8 and 10 of Annex IV to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 and revised in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005. These discussions complete the progranuning process in the Pacific region. The Pacific region includes the following countries: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The Regional Strategy Paper and the Indicative Progranune are attached to this document. (2) As regards the indicative progranunable financial resources which the Community intends to make available to the Pacific region for the period 2008-2013, an amount of €95 million is earmarked for the allocation referred to in Article 9 of Annex IV to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement.
    [Show full text]
  • SPC Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Support Activities in Pacific Island Countries and Territories
    SPC climate change and disaster risk management support activities in Pacific Island countries and territories 2013 Compiled by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) © Copyright Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), 2013 All rights for commercial / for profit reproduction or translation, in any form, reserved. SPC authorises the partial reproduction or translation of this material for scientific, educational or research purposes, provided that SPC and the source document are properly acknowledged. Permission to reproduce the document and/or translate in whole, in any form, whether for commercial / for profit or non-profit purposes, must be requested in writing. Original SPC artwork may not be altered or separately published without permission. Original text: English Secretariat of the Pacific Community Cataloguing-in-publication data SPC climate change and disaster risk management support activities in Pacific Island countries and territories: 2013 / compiled by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) 1. Climatic changes — Oceania. 2. Environment — Management — Oceania. 3. Climatic changes — Management — Oceania. 4. Risk management — Oceania. I. Title II. Secretariat of the Pacific Community 577.22 AACR2 ISBN: 978-982-00-0646-1 Contents Purpose of document .................................................................................................................... 1 SPC national climate change support activities in Pacific Island countries and territories ............ 2 American Samoa......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Officers of the UNICEF Executive Board, 1946–2020
    Officers of the UNICEF Executive Board, 1946–2020 Since 1994, the work of the UNICEF Executive Board has been coordinated by the Bureau, comprising the President and four Vice-Presidents, who represent the five regional groups. From 1946 to 1993, the officers of the Executive Board formed a Governing Council that included the Chairman and four Vice-Chairmen.1 BUREAU (SINCE 1994) 2020 H. E. Ms. Rabab Fatima Bangladesh President H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale Morocco Vice-Presidents H.E. Ms. Audra Plepytė Lithuania H.E. Mr. João Genésio de Almeida Filho Brazil Mr. Dominique Michel Favre/Ms. Christine Monique Schneeberger2 Switzerland 2019 H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale3 Morocco President H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen Bangladesh Vice-Presidents H.E. Mrs. Marie Chatardová Czechia Mr. Omar Castañeda Solares4 . Guatemala H.E. Ms. Louise Blais Canada 2018 President H.E. Mr. Tore Hattrem Norway Vice-Presidents H.E. Mr. Rubén Armando Escalante Hasbún El Salvador H.E. Mr. Tekeda Alemu / H.E. Taye Atske Sellassie Amde5 Ethiopia H.E. Mr. Durga Prasad Bhattarai / Mr. Nirmal Raj Kafle6 Nepal H.E. Mr. Miloš Vukašinović / Ms. Šejla Đurbuzović7 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2017 President H.E. Mr. Walton Alfonso Webson Antigua and Barbuda Vice-Presidents H.E. Mr. Abdallah Y. Al-Mouallimi Saudi Arabia H.E. Mr. Yemdaogo Eric Tiare Burkina Faso H.E. Ms. May-Elin Stener Norway Ms. Irina Velichko Belarus 2016 President H.E. Mr. Sven Jürgenson Estonia Vice-Presidents H.E. Mr. Durga Prasad Bhattarai Nepal H.E. Mr. Walton Alfonso Webson Antigua and Barbuda H.E. Mr. Elmahdi S.
    [Show full text]
  • Skilling the Pacific: Technical and Vocational Education and Training
    Skilling the Paci Pacific Studies Series About the Book Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) means the acquisition of competencies, know-how, and attitudes necessary to perform an occupation in the labor market. While TVET is important for fi socio-economic development, it constantly needs to be transformed so c that what it offers reflects the reality of the labor market in the Pacific AND TRAINING IN THE PACIFIC EDUCATION TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL region. This study document has highlighted strengths and weaknesses of TVET initiatives in the 13 Pacific Islands countries and provides future scope for strategic planning. The document also captures many good practices from around the world, which are applicable to the Pacific context of TVET. About the Asian Development Bank ADB’s vision is an Asia and Pacific region free of poverty. Its mission is to help its developing member countries substantially reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. Despite the region’s many successes, it remains home to two thirds of the world’s poor. Nearly 1.7 billion people in the region live on $2 or less a day. ADB is committed to reducing poverty through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Based in Manila, ADB is owned by 67 members, including 48 from the region. Its main instruments for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees, Skilling the Pacifi c grants, and technical assistance. In 2007, it approved $10.1 billion of loans, $673 million of grant projects, and technical assistance TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION amounting to $243 million.
    [Show full text]
  • 2003/2004 Annual Report
    I PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM SECREfARIAT 2003-2004 ANNUAL REPORT Excelling together for the people of the Pacific Motto - Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat ",,'.'oKl i,Jtlf,i ~. J'U~ , Paci fi c Islands Fo rum S e ': r e lt a ri ~ 1 2003/200 4 A nn u a • u \. I • u ~ A Review of the Forum, and its Secretariat, was carried out by an Eminent Persons Group in late 2003, in line with a decision by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at their meeting in Auckland, New Zealand in August, 2003. The Eminent Persons, who also met with former Forum SeGretary General, Noel Levi, CBE (third from left) during their extensive consultations were (L·R): Bob Cotton, . Dr Lang; Kavaliku, M aiava lula; Toma, Sir Julius Chan and Teburoro Tito. o L I Pacific Islands Forum Secreta ri at 200 3/20 04 Ann u a l R e p o rt EX ECU TI VE S U MMARY The Pacific Way to a Pacific Plan A generation ago, seven Pacific Leaders Biketawa Declaration that, for the first acted on their vision for a more sec ure time, gave Foru m members a number future for the people of th e Pacific, of guiding principles and measures to by esta blishing th e Pacific Islands take in the event of a crisis affecting the Forum in August 1971. Th ei r aim was region . These initiati ves underscore th e to cooperate regionally on com mon leve l of cooperation and consultation concern s, thereby maki ng th e most of that is required as we face up to new what was often very li ttle in te rm s of challenges.
    [Show full text]
  • 2013 Annual Report
    ISSN 2309-3463 Key title: Annual report (Pacific Islands Forum) Abbreviated key title: Annu. rep. (Pac. Isl. Forum) CONTENTS Acronyms 4 Our Mission 5 The Pacific Islands Forum 7 The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat 7 Who We Are 8 The Secretary General’s Year 9 The Secretary General’s Message 10 Key Highlights - Leaders Meeting in Majuro and Review of the Pacific Plan 14 Political Governance and Security 16 Economic Governance 26 Strategic Partnerships and Coordination 34 Corporate Services 46 Consolidated Financial Statement 50 ACROMYMS PITAP Pacific Integration Technical Assistance Programme OUR MISSION GUIDING PRINCIPLES PRSD Pacific Regional Strategy on To ensure the effective implementation of the Address the priority needs and rights of our most ACP African, Caribbean and Pacific Disability Leaders’ decisions for the benefit of the people of vulnerable Members, communities and people APG Asia Pacific Group on Money PT&I Pacific Islands Trade and Invest the Pacific. (Special and Differential Treatment) Laundering RAMSI Regional Assistance Mission to ATT Arms Trade Treaty Solomon Islands Embrace the cultural diversity of the region with AusAID Australian Agency for GOALS RAO Regional Authorising Officer tolerance and respect (The Pacific Way) International Development To stimulate economic growth and enhance RPPA Revised Pacific Platform of Action AUSTRAC Australian Transaction Reports political governance and security for the region, for the Advancement of Women Facilitate the debate on how to position the region and Analysis Centre through the provision of policy advice; and to and Gender Equality to meet emerging challenges both now and in the CHOGM Commonwealth Heads of strengthen regional cooperation and integration SALW Small Arms and Light Weapons future (Foresight) Government Meeting through coordinating, monitoring and evaluating SDGs Sustainable Development Goals CROP Council of Regional implementation of Leaders’ decisions.
    [Show full text]
  • Diplomacy and the Pursuit of Regional Security
    ISSN 1172-3416 MACMILLAN BROWN CENTRE FOR PACIFIC STUDIES PACIFIC POLICY BRIEF 2016/7 iplomacy and the pursuit of regional security D 1 Michael Powles Policy summary of paper presented at the regional conference on Rethinking regional security: Nexus between research and policy, November 25-26, 2015, University of Canterbury. A partnership between Macmillan Brown Center for Pacific Studies (University of Canterbury), Australian National University, United National Development Program and International Political Science Association 1 Michael Powles is a former New Zealand diplomat. 1 of 4 ost significant threats to security in For New Zealand to have significant the Pacific Islands region today are influence in support of regional security, M internal rather than external. One has depends on the quality of our diplomacy and only to look at the extraordinary situation the nature of the policies being pursued. So today in Nauru, the governance issues in the question I would like to raise with you is Papua New Guinea, the constitutional whether and how New Zealand diplomacy concerns in Vanuatu, and the dominance of could be improved in our home region. the military in Fiji. And in considering them, we need to remember that the Biketawa At the conference in Apia this year which I Declaration, agreed 16 years ago now, mentioned earlier, a very senior regional provides a mechanism that can be used to official, a Pacific Islander who has been combat threats to security in the region, positive about New Zealand's role in the including internal problems. Pacific over many years, asked me whether New Zealanders were aware how unpopular Some years ago, it was thought by many that their country was in the Pacific Islands these China would come to pose a significant threat days.
    [Show full text]