Secretary General Makes Special Case For SIDS

Secretary General reiterates importance of special case for SIDS

The global economic crisis has exposed the fragility of our region and has impacted on the main sources of income such as tourism receipts and remittances. These pressures will continue to be made worse by the ever increasing impacts of climate change.

These were the words of the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, when he addressed a high-level meeting of Regional and International stakeholders convened earlier this week to consider the review of the Mauritius Strategy for Further Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA).

The meeting was opened by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, the Honourable Edward Natapei.

Participants included Ministers and officials from Forum member countries, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, the Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, United Nations’ representatives and Executives of regional technical agencies.

In delivering his keynote statement to the meeting, Secretary General Slade emphasised the progress Small Islands Developing States have made since the inception of the Barbados Programme of Action which highlights the special case of Pacific Small Islands Developing States (SIDS).

These actions have included over 30 regional initiatives, many under the Pacific Plan, in a broad range of areas such as improving telecommunications and internet connectivity, the development of sub-regional shipping services and a range of initiatives to address the impacts of climate change and better assist Pacific Island Countries in their disaster preparedness.

“Pacific SIDS have sought, many with limited resources, to progress a range of development initiatives under frameworks such as the Mauritius Strategy for Further Implementation and the Pacific Plan,” said Mr Slade. “Many of these efforts have been assisted by a broad range of development partners.”

Mr Slade urged these important partnerships to continue, adding: “The vulnerable condition and circumstances of Pacific Island Countries means development efforts must be coordinated and undertaken with the international community to better address the risks and challenges we face.”

This meeting marked the start of a broader review which will continue over the course of this year.

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