Joint Kiribati/SPC country strategy

Press release

Joint Kiribati/SPC country strategy part of SPC’s commitment to working more closely with its members

Thursday 16 November 2006, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), 36th Committee of Representatives of the Governments and Administrations (CRGA) – In line with SPC’s increased focus on members’ priorities, the organisation reported to CRGA delegates on its multi-sectoral team visit to Kiribati in June this year. During their visit, the SPC team began discussions with the Kiribati Government on the development of a joint Kiribati/SPC country strategy that will guide the provision of SPC services to Kiribati over the next 3–5 years.

“The different meetings that occurred during the mission were an opportunity for all our local specialists – such as those from our Marine and Fisheries Division, health professionals, agriculture stakeholders and statisticians – to share views. Kiribati has counted on technical advice provided by SPC in the past and will continue to do so. We welcome any assistance to further the review process of the current National Development Strategy [NDS] 2004–2007, as well as perhaps streamlining resources for implementation of priorities in the next NDS, which is for 2008–2011. In that connection, we will look forward to the second meeting with the SPC team this year or early next year,” said Mr Tom Murdoch, Kiribati’s Acting Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

“We are about to appoint a Small Island States Desk Officer in the Ministry from funds made available through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat for implementation of the Pacific Plan especially where Small Islands States (SIS) are concerned. This officer will be able to assist in pooling the findings and responses of our local specialists and finalising national recommendations,” added Mr Murdoch.

Linda Petersen, SPC team leader for the Kiribati mission, stressed that “a key principle in the development of country strategies is to work within and link strategies to existing national development frameworks. This should facilitate longer-term and better-coordinated support while retaining the ability of SPC to respond to more immediate country needs.”

SPC has embarked upon full development of the joint country strategy with the Government of Kiribati, and has commenced discussions with the governments of Nauru and Tokelau.

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