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Developing the Commonwealth Pacific Governance Programme

25 May 2006

The Commonwealth Secretariat is developing a Commonwealth Pacific Governance Programme (CPGP), which will form an important part of its technical assistance for the Pacific Plan launched in October 2005 to enhance economic growth, sustainable development and good governance in the region.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said: "The Pacific Governance Programme is an exciting new chapter in the Commonwealth's commitment to the region. It will bring new resources in areas of need which the Pacific region itself has identified as priorities."

A high-level meeting is being held in Suva, Fiji Islands, from 23 to 26 May 2006 involving heads of planning ministries from 11 Commonwealth Pacific countries, regional organisations and key donors. This meeting follows the Secretary-General's announcement to Pacific Heads of Government in Papua New Guinea in October 2005 that the Secretariat would commit fresh resources to support the Pacific Plan over the next four to five years. The Pacific Plan is an initiative of the Pacific Islands Forum which comprises 16 countries in the South Pacific.

The Suva meeting is being organised by the Secretariat in collaboration with the Pacific Institute of Advanced Studies in Development and Governance, within the University of the South Pacific based in Fiji. It will focus on a number of governance challenges faced by the region, such as freedom of information, effective anti-corruption institutions, land issues, and the strengthening of electoral systems. It will also define the strategic objectives of the CPGP; identify a set of governance themes that CPGP should target; and agree on intended activities, outcomes and methods of delivery.

"The meeting is a big step along the CPGP design path and an important part of the way we do our business. It's about meeting clearly identified needs, and sharing ownership of our work with our Pacific partners. Once we have discussed in detail at this workshop, I look forward to presenting Pacific Heads of Government with the complete Commonwealth Pacific Governance Programme when they meet later this year in Tonga," said Mr McKinnon.

 

CNIS - Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 286, 24 May 2006

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