Pacific cooperation stressed at Eighth Conference of the Pacific Community (SPC)

Coordinated and inclusive approach to sustainable development necessary

Press Release

The importance of coordinated engagement by Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) in shaping the post-2015 development agenda should not be overlooked.

This is a key message emerging from the high-level discussion taking place at the 8th Conference of the Pacific Community at the Vale ni Bose complex in Suva, Fiji. The meeting is attended by ministers and delegations from the 26 member governments of the Pacific Community as well as observers, including Timor-Leste, agencies of the United Nations, and the European Union. 

There has been a call for a coordinated approach to development that is inclusive and focused on clear priorities for the region. This requires increased investment in partnerships to ensure lasting and meaningful outcomes that address priorities critical to the Pacific Islands region.

Mrs. Noumea Simi, Assistant Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Finance in Samoa, said, ‘We request the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) to help us develop policies and improve knowledge sharing in the area of sustainable development. Sustainable development goals need to be made more concrete and implementable.’

‘SPC is in a strategic position to be able to assist countries,’ she said, highlighting the important role of the joint country strategies, national development frameworks and increased regional coordination, ‘so that those with the highest needs and minimal resources are targeted for priority assistance.’

Delegates stressed the need for effective regional and national responses to climate change and praised SPC’s efforts to date in supporting Pacific governments to adopt integrated, programmatic responses to climate, disaster and human security risks.

SPC is assisting nationally led efforts to advance sustainable development in Pacific societies, including improving peoples’ ability to lead long and healthy lives, access education, and enjoy sustainable livelihoods.

The conference – which is the governing body of SPC – is held every two years.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) celebrated 66 years of service to Pacific Island countries and territories in 2013.

SPC member countries and territories: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, 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.