Looking for ways to strategically position SPC
Friday 10 November 2005, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) – Next week, from 13 to 17 November, SPC is
convening the 36th meeting of its governing body – usually referred to as the Committee of Representatives of
Governments and Administrations (CRGA) – at its headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia. During the meeting, delegates
from SPC’s member countries and territories (1) will review its work programme, taking into account the changing
priorities and new initiatives of the organisation.
It will be the first CRGA meeting under the leadership of the new Director-General, Dr Jimmie Rodgers. This year’s
agenda is strongly imprinted with his style of management.
“For our representatives’ consideration, I’ve listed a number of topics that I believe to be timely, significant and
forward-looking in the region, and where I hope SPC will be able to make a difference,” says Dr Rodgers.
“With our members, development partners and donors, we are going to engage in debates relating to the key issues
affecting Pacific Islands countries and territories [PICTs] into the next decade, SPC’s contribution to economic growth
in the region, forecasting and preparing options for the future in Pacific fisheries, managing our forest resources for
current and future generations of Pacific Island people, and addressing youth challenges in the region and in small
island states.”
“I am looking for ways to strategically position our organisation in order to respond effectively to these issues. SPC
will continue to pay special attention to members’ priorities, including increasing our focus on country development
strategies, improving national statistical services, reaching out to rural and remote areas in PICTs through our digital
strategy, responding to health challenges in the region, engaging in regional dialogues, and coordinating technical and
vocational education and training [TVET] in the Pacific region.”
--
(1) List of SPC member countries and territories: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of
Micronesia, Fiji Islands, France, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand,
Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga,
Tuvalu, United States of America, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
ENDS