by Pesi Fonua

A "Regional Family" approach was the best way for Pacific Forum countries to address the many challenges that are facing the region, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Helen Clark, told a PNG Chamber of Commerce breakfast gathering this morning, October 24 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port Moresby.

Helen said that even though the Pacific Islands Forum is now recognized as the pre-eminent political organization of the Pacific region and it has been successful in working together in a number of areas such as fisheries, transport, economic development, education, health, police and customs co-operation, it is also facing a number of pressing issues such as a rapidly growing population, avian flu, HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases relating to lifestyle and natural disasters.

In addition she said that, "we are all under pressure to comply with strict new rules around shipping, aviation, and banking. These are challenging for the largest nations of the region to meet, let alone for smaller nations with less capability."

Origins of the Pacific Plan

Helen said that the conviction of a need for a Regional Family approach was realized while she was the chair person of the Forum meeting leaders in New Zealand in 2003. What followed was a move for a comprehensive review of the Forum, the first since its inception 34 years ago in Wellington, New Zealand. The review was carried out by the Eminent Persons Group, led by the former PNG Prime Minister, Sir Julius Chan. This group produced a report, "Voices of the Pacific", proposing the four pillars for what is now known as the Pacific Plan.

The four pillars, Economic Growth, Sustainable Development, good Governance and Security have also been put into three categories. The first category, also known as "Early Wins" has been scheduled to be implemented during the first three years of the Plan, 2006-9. The second category, comprises of activities which, once, "agreed in principle" by leaders, still need to be readied for implementation, and the third category of activities which may be good ideas but requires further analysis.

A final draft of the Pacific Plan will be presented to the six-days meeting of South Pacific Forum leaders October 24-30.

When Helen was questioned on a concern expressed Civil Society groups, which have been meeting in Port Moresby during the past few days over the fact that there has been a lack of consultation with the people of the Pacific, particularly those in rural areas. Helen replied that the Plan was a living document and consultation would be on-going.