Pacific region continues to be fragile and exposed - SG Slade
PRESS STATEMENT (48/09)
FRAGILITY, EXPOSURE AND VULNERABILITY OF PACIFIC REGION NOT CHANGED – TUILOMA NERONI SLADE
Cairns, 5th August 2009 -
The fundamental fragility of the Pacific region, the exposure of homelands and the vulnerability of communities in the region have not changed despite other changes that have taken place over the years.
Speaking at the opening of the 40th Pacific Islands Forum in Cairns, Australia today, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade said the region can reflect on proud moments and achievements of the past.
But Mr Slade said: “While the changing and passing years have not left the Pacific untouched, what has not changed is the fundamental fragility of our region, the exposure of homelands and the vulnerability of communities.”
“The Pacific environment that Leaders knew 40 meetings ago is no longer the same, and global natural systems edge towards dangerous tipping points, seemingly by the day.
“We are now in the grips of the most debilitating global financial and economic crisis. While its effects are still evolving, what is already clear is that not one single Pacific economy will be spared. Typically, it is the small and the least able to cope, that will register the most serious consequences,” said Mr Slade.
And there is the compounding H1N1 pandemic. Climate change is already taking its toll, at all levels of humanity, worldwide. In each Forum country Leaders will know of the alarm and damage being caused – right now, today.
The Forum Secretary General added: “The global science and basic economics, foretell far worse for tomorrow. Significantly, global assessments acknowledge, and keep acknowledging, the extreme exposure and special vulnerability of small islands developing States and their communities.
“And so, Honourable Leaders, that is the context of your gathering: the real agenda of your 40th meeting.”
Mr Slade said these are the major issues of our time. They are challenges that come not in single file, and cannot be met by the response of one.
“The experience of the Forum in your past 39 meetings, points to the inevitability of togetherness. The Pacific is at its best when it acts as a region. In times of crisis it is the natural way. It is the very essence of the Pacific Way.
This spirit of the region which informs the Pacific Plan adopted by Leaders at your 34th meeting in 2005, and this remains a guiding force in the work of the Secretariat and other regional agencies.”
Secretary General Slade told the Forum Leaders: “The work of the Secretariat now encompasses the full range of political governance and security, trade and economic, and development coordination issues. In the face of the global economic crisis there is a declared determination on the part of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) to strengthen the coordination of our institutional activities in every way possible.”
He said: “While we hold dear and proud the culture and traditions of our region, we need to engage more actively and more effectively with all development partners. We confront the most serious global issues and we must continue to enhance the working effectiveness of our relationships with all development partners.”
Mr Slade paid tribute to the leadership of the Outgoing Forum Chair and Premier of Niue, Hon. Toke Talagi and pledged his support and that of the Secretariat to the new Forum Chair the Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. Kevin Rudd.
“I pledge to you our fullest support so that we can advance our Leaders’ vision for “a region of peace, harmony, security and economic prosperity, so that all Pacific people can lead free and worthwhile lives.
“Mr Prime Minister, there is a future for the Pacific, a future of infinite promise. I ask that you lead us there,” Mr Slade told the new Forum Chair.
The Forum Leaders’ will go into retreat tomorrow after a plenary session today.
ENDS.
FRAGILITY, EXPOSURE AND VULNERABILITY OF PACIFIC REGION NOT CHANGED – TUILOMA NERONI SLADE
Cairns, 5th August 2009 -
The fundamental fragility of the Pacific region, the exposure of homelands and the vulnerability of communities in the region have not changed despite other changes that have taken place over the years.
Speaking at the opening of the 40th Pacific Islands Forum in Cairns, Australia today, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade said the region can reflect on proud moments and achievements of the past.
But Mr Slade said: “While the changing and passing years have not left the Pacific untouched, what has not changed is the fundamental fragility of our region, the exposure of homelands and the vulnerability of communities.”
“The Pacific environment that Leaders knew 40 meetings ago is no longer the same, and global natural systems edge towards dangerous tipping points, seemingly by the day.
“We are now in the grips of the most debilitating global financial and economic crisis. While its effects are still evolving, what is already clear is that not one single Pacific economy will be spared. Typically, it is the small and the least able to cope, that will register the most serious consequences,” said Mr Slade.
And there is the compounding H1N1 pandemic. Climate change is already taking its toll, at all levels of humanity, worldwide. In each Forum country Leaders will know of the alarm and damage being caused – right now, today.
The Forum Secretary General added: “The global science and basic economics, foretell far worse for tomorrow. Significantly, global assessments acknowledge, and keep acknowledging, the extreme exposure and special vulnerability of small islands developing States and their communities.
“And so, Honourable Leaders, that is the context of your gathering: the real agenda of your 40th meeting.”
Mr Slade said these are the major issues of our time. They are challenges that come not in single file, and cannot be met by the response of one.
“The experience of the Forum in your past 39 meetings, points to the inevitability of togetherness. The Pacific is at its best when it acts as a region. In times of crisis it is the natural way. It is the very essence of the Pacific Way.
This spirit of the region which informs the Pacific Plan adopted by Leaders at your 34th meeting in 2005, and this remains a guiding force in the work of the Secretariat and other regional agencies.”
Secretary General Slade told the Forum Leaders: “The work of the Secretariat now encompasses the full range of political governance and security, trade and economic, and development coordination issues. In the face of the global economic crisis there is a declared determination on the part of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) to strengthen the coordination of our institutional activities in every way possible.”
He said: “While we hold dear and proud the culture and traditions of our region, we need to engage more actively and more effectively with all development partners. We confront the most serious global issues and we must continue to enhance the working effectiveness of our relationships with all development partners.”
Mr Slade paid tribute to the leadership of the Outgoing Forum Chair and Premier of Niue, Hon. Toke Talagi and pledged his support and that of the Secretariat to the new Forum Chair the Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. Kevin Rudd.
“I pledge to you our fullest support so that we can advance our Leaders’ vision for “a region of peace, harmony, security and economic prosperity, so that all Pacific people can lead free and worthwhile lives.
“Mr Prime Minister, there is a future for the Pacific, a future of infinite promise. I ask that you lead us there,” Mr Slade told the new Forum Chair.
The Forum Leaders’ will go into retreat tomorrow after a plenary session today.
ENDS.
