Sustainable Development
“Our Objective is sustainable development that combines economic, social, and cultural development in ways that improve livelihoods and well-being and use the environment sustainably.” – Framework for Pacific Regionalism
Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum have made a commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognising the unfinished business of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and calling for the support of development partners in delivering the promise of SDGs.
In their 2015 Communique, Forum Leaders directed that the global agenda be contextualised to national and regional priorities, and reporting be streamlined across the SDGs, SIDS Accelerated Modalities for Action (SAMOA) Pathway and Framework for Pacific Regionalism and other key global and regional sustainable development commitments, including the Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration.
In 2017, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders endorsed the Pacific Roadmap for Sustainable Development and 132 Pacific Sustainable Development Indicators (PSDI), to guide regional efforts and support to countries for implementation, monitoring and reporting on global and regional sustainable development commitments.
In 2018, Forum Leaders endorsed the first Quadrennial Pacific Sustainable Development Report and committed to ensuring that sustainable development in the region is achieved on its terms and in a way that recognises the region’s rich culture, national circumstances, and oceanic resources.
The Pacific Roadmap for Sustainable Development guides regional responses for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. It was prepared by the Pacific SDGs Taskforce through an open, consultative and country-driven process, and is premised on the underlying principle of leaving no one behind. The Roadmap builds on the strong leadership demonstrated by the Pacific in shaping the global agenda and reaffirms the need for national ownership backed by regional and international cooperation. The destination is a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity so that all Pacific people can lead free, healthy, and productive lives.
This Pacific Sustainable Development Report 2018 (PSDR) is the first quadrennial Pacific progress report on sustainable development. The report outlines high level trends on progress to date, as well as baseline information. The regional report complements national monitoring and reporting.
The 2018 report highlights the need for increasing the pace of progress towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. It emphasises increasing vulnerabilities through deepening inequalities, and limited access to infrastructure and basic services. The report also emphasises significant opportunities for accelerating our development, including through Pacific specific “know-how”- our ability to adapt to changing situations, our significant biodiversity and oceanic resources, and our ability to work as a Blue Pacific collective. The report reflects on the increasing access to and use of ICT and connectivity such as through more aviation routes. The report reinforces the value of shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean, and reaffirms the connection of Pacific peoples with each other, and with their natural resources, environment, culture and livelihoods.
