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.
Ends