Opportunities, ideas and action, theme for Forum [1]
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 - 23:08. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
TONGA'S Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano leads a 13-member delegation to the 42nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting that was opened in Auckland today, September 7.
The Prime Minister is accompanied by his wife Lady Robyn Tu'ivakano, and delegation including the Minister of Police, Hon Lisiate 'Akolo; the Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries, Hon 'Isileli Pulu; the Minister of Tourism, Hon Dr Viliami Latu; the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet Busby Kautoke; the Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mahe'uli'uli Tupouniua; the Chief Executive Officer CEO for the Ministry of Labour, Tatafu Moeaki; the CEO for the Ministry of Tourism, Sakopo Lolohea; the Special Advisor to the PM, 'Akau'ola; the PM's Communication Advisor 'Ahongalu Fusimalohi; the Interim Director of TERM-IU, 'Emeline Tuita; and Mele Vikatolia Faletau.
The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting runs from 6-9 September, and the Tongan delegation are expected back in Nuku'alofa on Monday, September 12.
Opportunities
The theme for this year's Forum Islands Leaders meeting is Converting Potential into Prosperity, focussing on opportunities, coming up with practical ideas and taking action. The four issues on the forefront of discussions include tourism, fisheries, energy and education.
Following the opening ceremony, the Pacific Islands Forum met in a closed formal session at the Sky City Convention Centre.
Tomorrow, 8 September the Forum Leaders will go on a Retreat at Waiheke Island to be followed by a Gala Dinner at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland City.
The 23rd Post Forum Dialogue Partners' closed meeting at the Sky City Convention Centre will be held on Friday.
The 2011 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting began with the Smaller Island States Leaders Meeting and the Pacific ACP Leaders Meeting, on September 6.
Rugby
The New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, incoming chair of the Forum, in his opening address this morning confirmed New Zealand's commitment towards strengthening relations with their closest Pacific neighbours.
He highlighted how pleased he was that New Zealand is hosting the Forum against the backdrop of the biggest event they had ever hosted, the Rugby World Cup 2011 attracting some 95,000 people to visit NZ.
"We have worked hard to make the RWC a Pacific event because we know its our big chance to showcase this region to the world. We want our visitors to enjoy some great rugby games and experience the Kiwi culture but we also want them to leave New Zealand with a sense that they have been to the Pacific.
"I'm looking forward to watching the opening game - the All Blacks versus Tonga with many of you on Friday evening. But we are not just here to talk rugby, this is the Forum's 40th anniversary of the Pacific Islands Forum," he said.