Framework for Pacific Regionalism

Strong public participation in the new regional policy process under the Framework for Pacific Regionalism

In response to a public call for ideas and proposals for action at the regional level through the Framework for Pacific Regionalism, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat received a total of 68 submissions. Proposals have been received from civil society organisations, intergovernmental bodies, regional agencies, academic institutions, Member Governments, individuals, private sector organisations, technical agencies, and media organisations.

Secretary-General Dame Meg Taylor is pleased with the interest shown by the region. “I would like to thank the people of the Pacific for participating in this process under the new Framework for Pacific Regionalism. The submissions reflect the way we, as Pacific people, are thinking about issues that exist at the regional level and what needs to be done to address these issues”, Dame Meg Taylor said.

The initiatives cover a wide range of thematic areas including: security and human rights, oceans, economic-related issues, climate change, tourism, education, governance, labor mobility, health, cross-cutting issues, sustainable development goals, ICT, environmental issues, regional architecture, and culture.

These initiatives will be considered by the Specialist Sub-Committee on Regionalism which meets in Suva from July 13 – 15. The Specialist Sub-Committee is chaired by the Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat and includes representatives from Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, Australia/New Zealand, Smaller Islands States, Civil Society, and Private Sector.

The Specialist Sub-Committee will review the initiatives and determine which of these will form the basis of a high-level regional agenda for Leaders’ consideration, at their annual meeting in Papua New Guinea in September this year.

The submissions can be viewed at: http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/strategic-partnerships-coordination/framework-for-pacific-regionalism/regional-initiative-submission.html.
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat will provide updates on the progress of the Forum’s consideration of the regional initiatives via its website, media releases, and official circulars. The latest updates on the Framework initiatives are available on:http://www.forumsec.org.fj/pages.cfm/strategic-partnerships-coordination/framework-for-pacific-regionalism/updates-from-secretariat.html.

For further information, please contact Joel Nilon, Pacific Regionalism Adviser on +679 3312600 or email: joeln@forumsec.org.

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