Pacific Islands Forum Announces Regional Policy Consultation

Pacific Islands Forum Chair Announces Regional Policy Consultations

The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Samoan Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has called on the people, communities, and organisations of the region to help build a healthy, peaceful, secure and prosperous Pacific.

Announcing the launch of the 2017 Regional Policy Consultations, Prime Minister Tuil’aepa said that the people of the Pacific must be the innovators and implementers of their own future.

“We are strong when we work together. Pacific Regionalism is a path towards greater cooperation, collaboration and integration between our people, our institutions, and our countries. These consultations provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in the development of regional policies that will guide us on this journey.”

“The Forum recently embraced the Blue Pacific concept which promotes a strong and independent Pacific identity and draws on our shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean as a key driver of Pacific Regionalism. The Blue Pacific concept should be a guide everyone who engages with the Forum through these consultations. It also provides a platform for focussing on initiatives that recognise our shared resources, environment, and cultures, while at the same time promoting collective action for the good of us all.”

Reflecting on several key outcomes from the recently concluded Forum Leaders meeting in Samoa, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said, “there are currently several initiatives the Secretariat is working on that we would value input on. These include the proposed Forum Foreign Policy, and Biketawa Plus declaration on regional security.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the Forum is committed to inclusive and transparent approaches to regional policy development and that this meant being open to all ideas that emerge through the consultations.

“In previous years we have received a wide range of proposals on many different themes. This has led to important work being done to address issues like cervical cancer, and so I would certainly encourage you to come forward with your ideas if you see there is both an existing need and an opportunity for the region to work together.

The Forum Secretariat will be managing the Regional Policy Consultations which take place over the next 3 months. Submissions can be made in person during the Secretariat’s in-country visits or by downloading a submission form from the Forum Secretariat’s website: http://bit.ly/PacificRegionalism

ENDS

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