Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat begins in-country policy consultations in the Federated States of Micronesia 17th January 2017 The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat begins in-country policy consultations in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) …Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat begins in-country policy consultations in the Federated States of Micronesia

17th January 2017

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat begins in-country policy consultations in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) this week, marking the start of a region wide series of policy consultations over the next two months.

The Pacific Islands Forum is committed to developing and delivering regional-level policies that address the common challenges faced by Pacific communities. In support of that goal, the Secretariat seeks to take in a broad range of views from the people of the FSM.

The key themes that emerge from the consultations will be used to shape future regional policy, including a regional security declaration or Biketawa Plus, and a proposed collective Forum foreign policy.

The consultations will also explore innovative development finance options for Pacific Islands Forum countries, with a report going back to the 2018 Forum Economic Ministers’ Meeting in April in Palau.

The team comprises the Forum Secretariat’s Policy Director Mr. Paki Ormsby, Pacific Regionalism Adviser Mr. Joel Nilon, & Economic Adviser Dr. Raymond Prasad.

“In 2014 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders adopted the Framework for Pacific Regionalism to guide coordinated, collective action as one Pacific Islands Forum region as a pathway towards a “region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity, so that all Pacific people can lead free, healthy, and productive lives,” said Mr Ormsby.

“We are excited about being here and we look forward to hearing more about the issues that impact people’s lives. Our goal is to ensure that Pacific people have a say in the development of regional policies, because we know that policy – whether at national or regional level – will only succeed when it responds directly to the concerns of community”.

The team will begin in Pohnpei where they will meet with representatives from the Government, private sector, and civil society. They will then travel to Chuuk to undertake further consultations.

More information on the regional policy consultations including online surveys for those who cannot attend in person can be found on the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat website: www.forumsec.org.

Interested participants based in the Federated States of Micronesia can contact SIS Officer Richard Moufa based in the Department of Foreign Affairs:

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