41ST PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM
PORT VILA, REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
3 – 6 AUGUST 2010
PRESS RELEASE (69/10)
4th August 2010
The Pacific Islands Forum which celebrates 40 years of its existence next year is based on unity.
Speaking at the official opening of the 41st Pacific Islands Forum in Port Vila, Vanuatu today, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade told the Forum Leaders: “As we prepare for the Forum’s 40th anniversary next year we can reflect on the beginnings and the routes which Forum countries have navigated together, as we reflect on the foundations established by Forum Leaders who have moved on, and the values and directions set for our Pacific Forum countries.
“This is a region of remarkable contrasts and of immense diversities: diversities of land forms and people; innumerable languages little known elsewhere; and of cultures and traditions, unique and distinct, one from the other. There is, in the natural order, much more to divide than there is to unite,” said Mr Slade
“But the legacy of this Forum organisation, the true legacy of the Forum, is unity. Unity, not of a few, but for all Forum countries. The Forum has overcome diversity, and will overcome diversion, in the name of unity. Unity already well tested for nearly 40 years. By the logic of our regional circumstance, and by the dictate of our time, there cannot be any other way. For those who seek definition, that is the real meaning of the Pacific Way.”
The Forum Secretary General told the Forum Leaders that the Pacific region “continues to face major challenges in the efforts to pursue development aspirations and the quest for improving the lives of all Pacific people. Not one of our member countries has been spared the effects of the global financial and economic crises and associated high cost of fuel and food as well as the dangers of climate change.”
“Effective solutions will not come easily. Not for Pacific states already disadvantaged by smallness and isolation and by sheer vulnerabilities. But these are handicaps of old, inherent of the condition of islands; they cannot, and must not, deter from the quest for just and committed global solutions and from regional efforts to shore up resilience and coping capacities.”
Mr Slade urged Forum Leaders to continue with the implementation of the Pacific Plan and the Cairns Compact.
“In Cairns last year, Leaders took important decisions on regional priorities in the framework of the Pacific Plan for the next three years, to focus efforts on strengthening capacities and the abilities of Forum communities to overcome vulnerabilities.
“The Compact for strengthening development coordination in the Pacific was a critical decision of Leaders in Cairns as well. Its implementation has become a central activity in regional efforts to ensure aid effectiveness and to revitalise commitment to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in the Pacific. It must continue in assurance and with the support of all,” said Mr Slade.
The Biketawa Declaration that was adopted ten years ago remains a practical vehicle for regional unity. Last night, the Hon Prime Minister Natapei launched a photographic exhibition at the National Museum of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Biketawa Declaration.
The Forum Secretary General, Mr Slade said: “The exhibition aptly captures the history and images and tells the story of the uniqueness of RAMSI, and also provides evidence of a highly effective regional arrangement for response and management of a crisis. It is a regional arrangement that can only be possible with strong leadership and committed partnership, and with the full support of all Forum member countries. We acknowledge with appreciation the special roles Australia and New Zealand play.
Mr Slade thanked the Government of Solomon Island, all contributing Forum members and RAMSI.
He also thanked all the CROP agencies and development partners for all their cooperation in implementing Forum Leaders’ decisions.
ENDS.
For media enquires contact Mr Johnson Honimae, the Forum Secretariat’s Media Officer on phone 678 5664721 or email: johnsonh@forumsec.org.fj
