Why does the Secretariat work with Non-State Actors?

Working with Non-State Actors (NSAs) is an important part of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat approach to realise the vision of Pacific Island Leaders detailed in the Pacific Plan. On the global agenda the role of NSAs and civil society in development continues to gain recognition. The Leaders understood that to give effect to this vision, “building partnerships between member countries, territories, regional and international organisations and Non-State Actors” was critical.

In 2011 the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders further tasked the Secretariat to determine “practical means to ensure that civil society perspectives continue to be reflected in Forum policy formulation and are able to be conveyed to future Forum Leader’s meetings”.

The Forum Secretariat acknowledges the connections NSAs have with civil society, the local knowledge they bring to the table, their expertise in development and the work they do with grassroots communities. Apart from policy engagement the Secretariat also recognises the need to reflect NSA work in its reporting against the Pacific Plan and its commitments to regional cooperation, integration and coordination.

How does the Secretariat want to work with NSAs?

The Forum Secretariat is committed to building stronger partnerships and relationships with NSAs. Work is underway to develop an NSA Engagement Framework to provide clear guidance on how the Secretariat can progress its work in this area.

The Forum Secretariat will focus on:

• Engagement – facilitating the constructive engagement of NSAs with regional policy.
• Capacity building – supporting non state actors to better inform regional policy with evidence based approaches.
• Partnership – working with NSAs to test and challenge policy advice.

Who are NSAs?

A Non-State Actor is a legal entity that represents the interests of civil society including the private sector, academia and the media. NSAs are not established of, nor do they belong to, a structure or institution of the state.

For more information please contact the NSA Liaison Officer, Mr David Hesaie: davidh@forumsec.org.fj