PIFS Governing Council to discuss highest priority initiatives for the region

Key regional issues identified by communities from across the Pacific region will be discussed this week by the Forum Officials Committee (FOC) ahead of the 46th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting which takes place in Papua New Guinea in September.

The Pre-Forum FOC will recommend key agenda items for Leader’s consideration when they meet in Port Moresby on 7-11 September, 2015.

“A significant point of discussion for the officials is the new Framework for Pacific Regionalism that facilitates regional priority setting and focuses political decision making on important issues that are relevant to the region,” explained the Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor.

“The initiatives being discussed this week were identified through an open consultation process. The framework represents a truly exciting shift in the way the communities and their Leaders can work together, to create a region that prospers together.”

“In canvassing ideas for a stronger and inclusive Pacific region, the Forum Secretariat received 68 initiatives covering a broad range of themes. The proposals that have emerged through the Framework process represent important issues that warrant political consideration at the highest level. By the end of the week we’ll have a clear idea of the initiatives that Leaders will be discussing in September in Port Moresby.”

Senior government officials from Forum Member Countries, Associate Members, Observers and CROP agencies will attend the meeting. The Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor, will deliver the opening remarks. The Pre-Forum FOC will be chaired by Tuvalu.

The Framework for Pacific Regionalism was endorsed by Pacific Island Forum Leaders at the 45th Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, July 2014.