John Hayes
Chair, Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade committee
23 April 2013
Pacific Parliamentary Forum Closes With Call For Greater Action On Regional Issues
In their closing statement to the Pacific Parliamentary and Political Leaders Forum in Wellington yesterday, delegates
from across the Pacific have called for regional action to meet the challenges facing Pacific islands states. Delegates
also called for the promotion of effective leadership and creative engagement between parliaments and the communities
they represent.
The Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee, John Hayes, says this shows the value of the
event.
“The Forum was focused on inviting younger and new leaders and giving them the opportunity to debate topics of relevance
to the Pacific. The fact that delegates have adopted strong recommendations shows the worth of this Forum.
“Most pleasing for the Select Committee was the willingness of all delegates to debate the issues, and provide their
insights into such issues as regional leadership, democracy, climate change, health issues, and gender equality,” said
Mr Hayes.
Recommendations of the Forum
As a result of the success of this Forum, participants have recommended that their Parliaments should:
•Take steps to increase Pacific women’s representation in Parliaments and to empower them to be active in all aspects of society,
including governance and business.
•Adopt strategies to meet the challenges arising from climate change, involving urgent and effective action in mitigation, adaptation and
financing including placing a higher reliance on renewable energy.
•Foster a free, professional and independent media to promote democracy and an open and transparent society. Media has and
continues to have an important role to play in ensuring political accountability. Participants remarked on the rise of
social media in the Pacific and its utility as a communication tool, particularly in remote communities.
•Promote effective leadership and creative engagement between parliaments and the communities they represent.
•Explore ways to improve the delivery and creation of services in small, isolated communities, including through better
infrastructure and information technology.
•Prioritise primary healthcare, health promotion and disease prevention. Work to educate their communities on the importance of healthy lifestyles and to raise awareness about reproductive and
sexual health. Ensure cost effectiveness and good management to sustain affordability of healthcare.
•Improve and promote economic conditions to facilitate trade and investment in a manner that ensures sustainable development in the interests
of the Pacific while still retaining cultural identity and sovereignty.
•Acknowledge that sound governance from our Parliaments is essential to expand sustainable businesses and to create jobs, especially for
young people.
ENDS