Release of the 2011 Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report

The 2011 Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report and Reporting Annex was today launched by the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade. The Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report provides a comprehensive update of work undertaken over the last 12 months to support implementation of the Pacific Plan. “This report highlights the broad range of work underway by Member countries and regional agencies to support greater cooperation and integration across the Pacific region through the Pacific Plan. This includes work in high priority areas such climate change, trade integration, fisheries and better coordination of aid,” said Forum Secretary General, Mr Slade. “As reaffirmed by Leaders at their meeting in Auckland in September this year, the Pacific Plan remains the master strategy for regional integration and cooperation. It remains a key platform for shaping regional engagement in the region.” “While there has been some criticism by regional commentators regarding the pace of integration under the Pacific Plan, it is important to acknowledge the immensity and complexity of this task. Strengthened regional approaches in the Pacific will take time. The Pacific Plan remains a cornerstone of this approach, not only for the Forum Secretariat, but also for Members and regional agencies. This was clearly demonstrated by the most recent Pacific Plan Action Committee meeting, which had high-level representation by Member countries and regional agencies who constructively engaged on issues of regional policy at the highest level.” Mr Slade explained: “This report is part of the process of ensuring transparency around the implementation of the Pacific Plan, clearly explaining what has been achieved over the past 12 months and the significant challenges that remain.” “I am also pleased that the Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report for 2011 has also been translated into French. This is important to ensure that a broader cross-section of the Pacific region can access these reports, including from French Polynesia and New Caledonia which are associate Members of the Pacific Islands Forum.” An accompanying annex to this year’s Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report has also been produced detailing the work of Member countries and technical agencies against the Leader’s priorities agreed in 2009. The 2011 Annual Progress Report (in English and French) and the annex are available electronically at the Pacific Islands Forum website (click here) or in hardcopy from the Pacific Plan Office by emailing salanietam@forumsec.org.fj or rosib@forumsec.org.fj. ENDS. For more information contact Mr Alex Knox, the Pacific Plan Office Executive Officer, on telephone: (679) 322 0347or alexk@forumsec.org.fj