Commonwealth Pacific Governance Programme to kick-off soon

A Commonwealth Pacific Governance Programme will soon be launched by the Commonwealth Secretariat in support of the Pacific Plan, which is aimed at enhancing regional co-operation and integration among South Pacific countries.

This was announced by Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon in a speech delivered at the 37th Pacific Islands Forum Summit in Nadi, Fiji Islands, on 25 October 2006.

Mr McKinnon said the Commonwealth’s engagement in the Pacific region, which includes collaboration with the Forum Secretariat, will help in the implementation of the Pacific Plan that is focused on improving good governance, security, sustainable development and economic growth.

“The Commonwealth Pacific Governance Programme will seek to achieve better public access to information, strengthen democratic institutions, improve anti-corruption and transparency institutions, and find ways to address land management and development issues,” stated the Secretary-General.

“We are consulting the Forum Secretariat and others in the region to be sure that we deliver this programme in partnership with activities already in place. We want to strengthen and enhance, rather than duplicate or complicate.”

To promote the other pillars of the Pacific Plan through good governance and democracy-building, Mr McKinnon said two Commonwealth Observer Groups for elections were deployed in March this year -- to Solomon Islands under the leadership of Sir Arnold Amet, former Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea; and to Fiji Islands under the leadership of former Foreign Minister of Jamaica, K D Knight. Both Observer Groups worked in close co-operation with the teams deployed by the Forum Secretariat.

“I am pleased to say that these Groups concluded that, overall, the electoral processes in both countries were credible and the results reflected the wishes of the electors. But no country in this region or in the Commonwealth or the wider world can claim to have a flawless electoral system. There is always room for improvement in what is done before, during and after an election to make democracy stronger, and to develop institutions which the people feel they own,” added the Secretary-General.

Key Links:

• Audio Highlight 1: Remarks by the Secretary General at the Pacific Islands Forum
• Audio Highlight 2: Remarks by the Secretary General at the Pacific Islands Forum
• Governance
• Secretary-General's Remarks to the 37th Pacific Island Forum Summit, Nadi, Fiji Islands, 25 October 2006

Related News:

• Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat