The Pacific Parliamentary and Political Leaders Forum ended yesterday in Wellington with calls for greater regional effort in dealing with common challenges faced by Pacific Island countries.

The five day forum hosted seventy parliamentarians and leaders from 22 Pacific nations and its objective was to invite “newer Parliamentarians” and give them the opportunity to encourage debates about the most important issues facing the Pacific.

MPs Lord Fakafanua, ‘Aisake Eke, Siosifa Tu‘utafaiva, Sangster Saulala, Dr Sitiveni Halapua and Dr Viliami Latu attended forum.

The New Zealand Government organised the event with the aim of promoting its ties with the Pacific.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee of New Zealand, John Hayes said “New Zealand has long-standing ties with the whole Pacific region. Hosting this event provides an opportunity to promote increased cooperation and political cohesion with our closest neighbours, and their newest leaders.

“The Forum was focused on inviting younger and new leaders and giving them the opportunity to debate topics of relevance to the Pacific. The fact that delegates have adopted strong recommendations shows the worth of this Forum.”

Some of the recommendations made by participants included:

Taking steps in enhancing the representation of women in governance and business;

• Adopting strategies to meet challenges arising from climate change;

• Fostering a free professional and independent media to promote democracy and an open transparent society;

• Promoting effective leadership;

• Prioritising primary health care health promotion and disease promotion;

• Improve and promote economic conditions to facilitate trade and investment.