[pima.nius] Final Communique of 40th Pacific Islands Forum, Cairns

Title : Final Communique of 40th Pacific Islands Forum, Cairns.
Content :

PRESS STATEMENTS:
06 August 2009
PIFS(09)12

FORTIETH PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
5 - 6 AUGUST 2009

FORUM COMMUNIQUÉ

 

The Fortieth Pacific Islands Forum was held in Cairns, Australia from
5 to 6 August 2009 and was attended by Heads of State and Governments
of Australia, the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, the
Republic of Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, the Republic
of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and
Republic of Vanuatu and representatives of Republic of Kiribati and
Republic of Palau. New Caledonia and French Polynesia attended the
formal session as associate members. Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Wallis and
Futuna, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations and the
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission attended as
observers. The Forum Retreat was held at Whitfield House, Cairns.

2. Leaders expressed their deep gratitude to the Prime Minister, the
Government and people of Australia for the excellent arrangements made
in hosting the 2009 Leaders' meeting, and for the kind hospitality
extended to them during their stay in Cairns. Leaders also expressed
their sincere appreciation to the people of Cairns and the Government
of the State of Queensland for the warm reception received and
goodwill extended during their participation in the 2009 Forum
meeting.

PACIFIC MARITIME SAFETY

3. Leaders expressed their deep personal sympathies to the Government
and people of Tonga concerning the sinking of the passenger ferry
Princess Ashika on 6 August. Leaders noted the offer of Australia and
New Zealand to provide any necessary temporary support to the
Government of Tonga to maintain maritime transport services. Leaders
also expressed their condolences for the sinking last month of a
vessel in Kiribati and welcomed the offer of Australia and New Zealand
to work with appropriate regional organizations and national
authorities to strengthen maritime safety in the Pacific region.

CLIMATE CHANGE

4. Leaders recognised that for Pacific Islands States climate change
is the great challenge of our time and adopted the Pacific Leaders
Call for Action on Climate Change, attached as Annex A.

5. Leaders also welcomed the adoption on 3 June 2009 by the UN General
Assembly of Resolution A/Res/63/281 entitled Climate change and its
possible security implications which was an initiative of the Pacific
Small Island Developing States at the United Nations, and undertook to
continue to assist, encourage and strengthen work in the region in
support of its recommendations.

CAIRNS COMPACT ON STRENGTHENING DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION IN THE PACIFIC

6. Against the backdrop of the global economic crisis, Leaders
declared their new determination and an invigorated commitment to lift
the economic and development performance of the region, and adopted
the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the
Pacific, attached as Annex B.

7. Leaders agreed that there is an urgent and ongoing need for the
development of effective policy measures and practical responses aimed
at supporting Pacific island countries in alleviating adverse effects
of the global economic crisis, with the objective of building
sustained economic resilience in the Pacific.

8. Leaders acknowledged the substantive contribution of the joint
Australia and New Zealand report titled Surviving the Global Economic
Crisis: Strengthening Economic Growth and Resilience in the Pacific,
and the 2009 update to the Tracking Development and Governance in the
Pacific prepared by Australia in consultation with the Forum
Secretariat, SPC, New Zealand and the UNDP Pacific Centre. The
respective reports highlighted the need for strengthened development
coordination in the region to promote effective responses to the
global recession, and to accelerate progress towards the achievement
of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

PACIFIC PLAN

9. Leaders noted that over the last four years, steady progress has
been made in implementing various initiatives across all four pillars
of the Pacific Plan, including decisions taken at their meeting in
2008 in Niue, to address new and existing challenges faced by the
Pacific region. Notwithstanding such progress, Leaders recognised that
key challenges remained and that more determined work under the
Pacific Plan must continue to ensure ongoing momentum of greater
regional cooperation and integration. Leaders noted that limited human
and financial capacities at national levels continue to delay the
implementation of some Pacific Plan initiatives.

10. Leaders noted that an independent comprehensive review of the
progress on implementation of the Pacific Plan was undertaken in the
first quarter of 2009. Leaders further noted that a draft report of
the initial three-year review of the Pacific Plan had been submitted
for consideration by the Pacific Plan Action Committee (PPAC).

11. As with preceding years, and reflecting this year's key theme of
building economic resilience, Leaders agreed to accord priority to a
range of sectors for implementation under the Pacific Plan,
acknowledging the importance of addressing the new challenges to Forum
members presented by the global economic crisis, and their continuing
vulnerability to external shocks.

12. Implementation of work under the Pacific Plan would be guided by
the continued direction and targets provided by Leaders to members,
regional agencies and development partners. Leaders also agreed on a
number of key commitments and priority areas in order to advance the
Plan over the next three years from 2010. These commitments and
priority areas are provided below and at Annex C.

Bulk Procurement of Petroleum

13. Leaders noted that since their last meeting in 2008 in Niue,
significant progress have been made in the implementation of the bulk
procurement of petroleum initiative. Leaders welcomed the signing by
the Governments of the Cook Islands, Nauru, Tuvalu and Niue of a
government-to-government memorandum of understanding (MOU), which
outlined the responsibilities of Forum members who sign up to this
initiative under the auspices of the Pacific Petroleum Project.
Leaders further noted that the Governments of Tonga, Solomon Islands
and the Republic of the Marshall Islands have expressed their
intention to sign the MOU. To ensure that the benefits of the
initiative are maximised, Leaders strongly encouraged as many Forum
members as possible to sign up. Leaders expressed their appreciation
to the Government of New Zealand for its assistance in facilitating
the meeting of national petroleum authorities, CROP agencies, sectors
experts and industry in October 2008.

14. Leaders reaffirmed that energy remains one of the region's key
priorities, and urged members to remain vigilant in the face of
growing world oil prices, not least given the potential to place
pressure on scarce national resources and budgets as a result of
poorly secured energy supply. Leaders welcomed the launching of the
Phase One of the Pacific Petroleum Project in June 2009, and urged
Forum members to lend their support to the Project to ensure its
success, while maintaining a whole-of-region position on such matters.

Fisheries

15. Leaders noted that fisheries resources of the Pacific represent a
major source of food and income for Pacific Islands Countries (PICs)
and for many Pacific people is the main prospect for sustainable
economic development. The maximization of return from these resources
and their sustainable conservation and management is therefore
fundamental to the long-term socio-economic wellbeing and stability of
the region, as is the protection of those resources.
16. Leaders committed to working collectively to ensure that the
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) adopts and
implements effective measures to address overfishing of highly
migratory fish stocks that are critical to the development
opportunities of many Forum members countries.
17. Leaders also committed to working with the Forum Fisheries Agency
(FFA) to ensure coastal States in the region are able to manage tuna
resources, and maximise economic returns from the long-term
sustainable utilisation of this resource for the enhancement of
sustainable development and food security for the Pacific islands. To
achieve these objectives it is important that the WCPFC, as well as
national, conservation and management measures are underpinned by a
strong, monitoring, control and surveillance framework. Leaders
therefore welcome the initiative of the FFA to develop a Regional
Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Strategy.
18. Leaders recalled the Vava'u Declaration and its reaffirmation in
Niue in 2008, in particular, their call for "strengthened mechanisms
to protect regional fisheries via new multilateral Pacific regional
arrangements patterned on the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement model
for exchange of fisheries law enforcement data, cross-vesting of
enforcement powers and the use of fisheries data for other law
enforcement activities."
19. Leaders agreed that in order to overcome the current hiatus in
implementing this call to protect fisheries, that Australia host a
meeting of PIC ministers responsible for both fisheries and law
enforcement/justice in early 2010; at which agreement is to be reached
both on the form of new legal arrangements to be negotiated and on a
roadmap for the negotiation process, which should conclude no later
than the end of 2012. Leaders further instructed that Ministers report
back to Leaders on progress at the 2010 Leaders meeting, in the
expectation that, at that time, Leaders will be able to endorse
proposals put forward by Ministers on the form of the arrangements to
be negotiated and the details of what areas are to be covered by those
arrangements, thereby allowing formal negotiations on the detail to
begin.

Trade

20. Leaders agreed to the recommendation from Forum Trade Ministers to
commence PACER Plus negotiations forthwith.

21. Leaders welcomed the decision by Trade Ministers to establish the
Office of Chief Trade Adviser (OCTA) along the lines outlined in the
Apia FTMM decision. They affirmed their wish for Forum Trade Ministers
to meet as soon as practicable after the Forum Leaders meeting and no
later than November, and welcomed the offer from the Federated States
of Micronesia to host this meeting.

22. Leaders directed that the Trade Ministers should discuss a
framework for PACER Plus negotiations including timelines;
identification of issues; and issues in respect of which the CTA could
negotiate. Leaders affirmed the need for an annual review of progress
of the PACER Plus negotiations and the arrangements for the OCTA.
Leaders noted the need for Forum Island Countries to undertake
national consultations with all stakeholders and capacity building for
the negotiations.

23. Leaders agreed that consistent with the Forum's decisions, the
Fiji military regime would not participate in the PACER Plus
negotiations. However, Leaders agreed to a mechanism for Fiji to be
kept informed on the negotiations. In this mechanism, Fiji officials
will be briefed in Suva following each negotiating meeting by a
representative from the meeting, with the representative also able to
convey back to the next meeting any views from Fiji.

Health

24. Leaders noted with concern the threat posed by the Influenza A
(H1N1) pandemic on their respective health systems, including the
preparedness of each Forum country to deal with the impacts of a major
health threat, including broader social and economic impacts. Leaders
called for a more coordinated regional approach to address as a matter
of priority the immediate impacts of with Influenza A (H1N1).
Respective health administrations remain stretched and pressure
continues on health resources, both human and material, limiting the
ability of individual members to respond independently with any great
effect. The Pacific Regional Influenza Preparedness Project clearly
demonstrates the benefits of collective action and planning.
Importantly for members, it highlights the benefits of a regional
approach to addressing a common challenge. Leaders noted that this
initiative is scheduled to conclude in June 2010.

SPORT
25. Acknowledging the historic sporting ties between the members of
the Pacific Islands Forum, Leaders recognised the powerful and
positive role sport can play in building communities. They also
recognised that sport is a powerful tool for reinforcing positive
social and health messages in communities and strengthening relations
between countries.

26. They welcomed Australia's increased $26 million of support for
grass-roots and higher level sport in the Pacific, including support
for community sports administration.

27. The nature of the support will be settled collaboratively between
Australia and Pacific Island countries and will be coordinated with
sports programs in Pacific Island countries' education systems and
will focus on the major sports in each Pacific country.

28. They welcomed the fact that partnerships between Australian and
regional sporting bodies would be a key mechanism for providing this
support and that partnerships in rugby league, rugby union, cricket
and netball would be developed, similar to the partnership signed
between the Australian Government, Football Federation Australia, and
the Oceania Football Confederation on 5 August. Support for other
sports would be considered in countries where these sports are not
played.

29. Leaders noted Australia and New Zealand's support for increased
Pacific participation in international rugby union competitions and
their desire to work with the Pacific Island countries to achieve this
goal.

30. Leaders expressed a desire to see a team with strong Pacific
island representation join the Southern Hemisphere Rugby Union
competition.

31. Leaders also urged the International Rugby Board to consider its
rules on Board representation and on player eligibility to ensure that
Pacific players are able to retain links to their nations.

SUPPORTING PACIFIC PEOPLES WITH DISABILITIES

32. Leaders reaffirmed the need for more attention to be directed to
the region's most disadvantaged group - people with disabilities - who
are among the poorest and most vulnerable in the world. People with
disability face many barriers to full participation in society, and
this is no exception in the Pacific.

33. Leaders reaffirmed their strong support for the convening of a
Forum meeting, to be held in Cook Islands in October 2009, for
Ministers with responsibility for persons with disabilities and
welcomed the support of the Australian Government for this initiative.
Leaders agreed that the proposed Ministerial meeting should consider a
Regional Disability Strategy with an associated plan of action for
future implementation.

34. The Regional Disability Strategy should focus attention on the
need to address issues facing persons with disabilities in the
Pacific, to build greater awareness on the importance of allowing
those with disabilities access to greater and more equitable
opportunities to enhance their quality of life and fully enjoy all
inalienable human rights. Leaders requested that a report of the
Ministerial meeting be submitted for their consideration.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

35. Leaders observed that renewable energy offers the promise of
cost-effective, reliable energy services to rural households and will
provide a contribution to global greenhouse gas mitigation efforts.
Now is the time, with appropriate technology and expanding carbon
markets, to drive the development of projects to bring to reality the
promise of renewable solutions to the region's energy needs.
36. Leaders acknowledged the role that renewable energy targets can
play in driving the transition of national energy sectors to a low
carbon future. Leaders commended the initiatives of Tonga and Tuvalu
in incorporating renewable energy targets into national energy
strategies.
37. Leaders welcomed the offer from the Government of Australia to
convene an early meeting of officials, initially within the framework
of the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility, to identify options
for scaled-up, better-coordinated financing for clean and affordable
energy in the region. They further agreed that action to scale up
financing for clean and affordable energy should be discussed during a
special meeting of Forum Energy Ministers and that progress with
resource mobilisation and activity identification should be reported
back to the 2010 Forum.
38. Leaders also welcomed the pledge by the Australian Government that
it would provide funding of at least $25 million over four years for
initiatives in clean and affordable energy in the Pacific region.

REGIONAL INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

39. Following the Leaders' decisions taken in Niue in 2008, the
respective Governing Councils of the Secretariat of the Pacific
Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience
Commission (SOPAC) and the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional
Environment Programme (SPREP), including the South Pacific Board for
Educational Assessment (SPBEA), they met to finalise decisions on new
institutional arrangements and rationalisation of programmes and
services of their respective organisations, effective from 1 January
2010.

40. Leaders noted and welcomed the decisions of the respective
Governing Councils of the SPC, SOPAC and SPREP, including the SPBEA,
in respect of the new institutional arrangements and implementation
plans for their respective organisations, to be become effective from
1 January 2010. Leaders commended the work and contribution of the
respective CEO's of the regional organisations in this regard, under
the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General.

41. These decisions are attached as ANNEX D.

REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP MECHANISMS

42. Leaders recalled their decision taken in Niue in 2008 that
countries which have expressed interest in becoming a Post-Forum
Dialogue (PFD) Partner are encouraged to engage, as an initial step
towards becoming a PFD partner, in the Pacific Island Countries and
Development Partners' Meeting before a comprehensive analysis of their
application for Post-Forum Dialogue status is undertaken.

43. Recognising the continued and increasing demands on the members
and the Secretariat to service individual consultative mechanism with
each of the PFD partners and potential partners, Leaders noted a
proposal by the Forum Officials Committee to seek from PFD partners an
annual financial contribution to defray the expenses incurred by the
Secretariat in managing the PFD mechanism on a cost recovery basis.
Leaders requested that the Secretariat pursue the proposal with PFD
partners and report back to the 2010 FOC.

FIJI

44. Leaders noted activities carried out under the Biketawa
Declaration in relation to Fiji and reaffirmed their unanimous and
resolute support for the January 2009 Port Moresby decisions.

45. They noted the implementation on 2 May of the Port Moresby
decisions. Leaders took note of the Ministerial Contact Group (MCG)
report and its recommendations. They took careful note of the grave
concerns about the situation in Fiji, as expressed directly to Leaders
from respected individuals and organisations in Fiji.

46. Leaders strongly condemned the actions of the Fiji military regime
which have led to a severe deterioration in basic liberties and
democratic institutions in Fiji since Leaders last met, including the
abrogation of the Constitution, the imposition of media controls,
restrictions on freedom of assembly, and the ongoing erosion to the
traditional pillars of Fijian civil society, including the churches
and chiefs. They deplored the recent detentions of church Leaders by
the regime.

47. They welcomed the clear solidarity and support for Forum positions
shown by the Commonwealth, and by other members of the international
community, for a prompt and credible timetable for the restoration of
democracy. They expressed their deep concern at the rejection by the
military regime of the Commonwealth's call for elections.

48. Leaders reaffirmed the importance of continued strong solidarity
for the region's position on Fiji from the United Nations, the EU and
across the international community.

49. Leaders expressed their deep concern for the people of Fiji in the
face of Fiji's deteriorating economy as a consequence of the military
regime's actions, including the undermining of the private sector and
the negative effect on business confidence in the absence of the rule
of law.

50. Leaders called again for political dialogue in Fiji between
parties on the principles of genuine, inclusive dialogue without
preconditions or pre-determined outcomes.

51. In this context, Leaders reiterated a commitment to engage Fiji on
an early return to democracy so that Fiji could again take its proper
place in the community of the Forum. They noted that the MCG and the
PIF-Fiji Joint Working Group remained important mechanisms for
continued dialogue and called on Fiji to re-engage.

REGIONAL ASSISTANCE MISSION TO SOLOMON ISLANDS (RAMSI)

51. Leaders noted the activities carried out under the Biketawa
Declaration in relation to Solomon Islands.

52. Leaders warmly welcomed the productive partnership and
increasingly positive relationship between the Solomon Islands
Government (SIG) and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon
Islands (RAMSI);

53. Leaders highly commended the spirit of cooperation and
consultation at all levels between RAMSI and the SIG culminating in
the conclusion of the SIG-RAMSI Partnership Framework that was
endorsed by the SIG on 14 May 2009 and subsequently by the Forum
Ministerial Standing Committee (FMSC) on RAMSI on 15 May 2009.

54. Leaders welcomed progress made in implementing the Leaders'
decisions at the 2008 Forum regarding the RAMSI, including Japan's
offer of assistance.

55. Leaders endorsed the Solomon Islands Government's proposal for
Papua New Guinea to become a permanent member of the FMSC on RAMSI.

PACIFIC REGIONAL ASSISTANCE TO NAURU (PRAN)

56. Leaders noted the valuable assistance provided to Nauru under the
Biketawa Declaration. As a result of the success of PRAN, Nauru has
emerged from the crisis phase and is on the path to sustainable
economic recovery and development. Leaders agreed with Nauru that,
having achieved its objectives, PRAN is no longer required.

57. Leaders, however, recognised the ongoing economic, social,
infrastructure and development challenges facing Nauru and committed
themselves to continue to supporting Nauru's reform agenda.

BILATERAL SECURITY PARTNERSHIPS

58. Leaders welcomed Australia's initiative to develop, in close
consultation with Pacific Island countries, bilateral Partnerships for
Security with Pacific Island countries as a complement to Australia's
successful bilateral Partnerships for Development. They agreed that
such Security Partnerships could streamline, consolidate and
strengthen existing bilateral security cooperation between Australia
and Pacific Island countries. They underlined that negotiation of the
proposed partnerships would be based on mutual agreement, reflect the
needs and priorities of each partner and take account of the capacity
and resources of both parties.

PACIFIC PATROL BOAT REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

59. Leaders noted Australia's commitment to continued assistance to
Pacific Island countries through the Pacific Patrol Boat Program.
Australia signalled its intention to undertake an assessment of a new
maritime security program to replace the current program at the end of
its life, in consultation with Pacific Island countries.

60. Leaders also welcomed New Zealand's continuing contribution to
maritime surveillance in the region.

SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS (SALW)

61. Leaders noted with extreme concern the availability throughout the
Pacific of guns and small arms and light weapons (both legal and
illegal), which more often than not have been used in tribal fights
and criminal activities, and in furthering political power. Small arms
and light weapons are used to fuel and exacerbate violence and
conflict. They are widely used in armed conflict, terrorism, and crime
and there are significant costs and impacts, including financial
(healthcare) and loss of life. They can be easily produced, concealed
and transferred and more often than not, threaten peace, security,
development and human rights.

62. In an effort to support activities in the region to address the
threat of SALW, Leaders:

(a) endorsed activities relating to the control of small arms and
light weapons (SALW) and implementation of the global Programme of
Action;

(b) supported the proposed Control of Ammunition Project of the Forum
Secretariat Law Enforcement Unit; and

(c) encouraged all efforts to build national and regional capacity for
the effective and successful implementation of the Programme of Action
on SALW.

SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

63. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is now widely recognised
as a risk to human security and a potential destabilising factor for
communities and societies alike. It remains pervasive across the
Pacific, and as it is still considered a sensitive issue in most
Pacific cultures, its prevalence often goes underreported. There is an
urgent need to acknowledge the prevalence of SGBV in the Pacific at
all levels of the community, whether occurring in the domestic context
or during conflict and post-conflict situations.

64. While accepting the differing contexts of Forum member countries,
Leaders noted the importance of encouraging and ensuring national
ownership of necessary processes to address SGBV. Recognising the
significance of this issue, Leaders:

(a) reaffirmed support for ongoing action by the Secretariat and Forum
members at the highest level, in collaboration with relevant
stakeholders, to raise awareness of the seriousness of sexual and
gender based violence (SGBV) and its impact on the Pacific, and to
establish firmly on the political agendas of Forum members the issue
of SGBV;

(b) acknowledged the prevalence of SGBV in the Pacific and the risk
that it poses to human security and as a potential de-stabilising
factor for communities and societies alike;

(c) welcomed and supported efforts and important contributions at the
local, national and regional levels to address SGBV, including through
increased Pacific engagement in relevant global initiatives aimed at
preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls in all
parts of the world; and

(d) committed to eradicate SGBV and to ensure all individuals have
equal protection of the law and equal access to justice Leaders
committed to eradicating SGBV and to ensure that all individuals have
equal protection and access to justice.

RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

65. Leaders recognised the special circumstances pertaining to the
continued presence of radioactive contaminants in the Republic of the
Marshall Islands and reaffirmed the existence of a special
responsibility by the United States of America towards the people of
the Marshall Islands, who have been, and continue to be, adversely
affected as a direct result of nuclear weapons tests conducted by the
U.S. during its administration of the Marshall Islands under the
United Nations Trusteeship mandate.

66. Leaders reiterated their call on the United States of America to
live up to its full obligations on the provision of adequate
compensation and commitment to its responsibility for the safe
resettlement of displaced populations, including the full and final
restoration to economic productivity of all affected areas, and direct
the Secretary General to write a letter to the United States
Government expressing the Forum Leaders' support.

67. Leaders further encouraged Forum members to lend their support to
the Marshall Islands on this issue at the United Nations General
Assembly and other international fora.

COUNTRY INITIATIVES

68. Leaders welcomed the Pacific Oceanscape concept and its companion
Pacific Ocean Arc initiative tabled by Kiribati aimed at increasing
marine protected area investment, learning and networking. Leaders
tasked the Secretariat, together with relevant CROP agencies and key
partners, to develop a framework for the Pacific Oceanscape, drawing
on the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy, as a priority area for
attention under the Pacific Plan.

69. Leaders welcomed the convening of a Pacific-UN conference on The
Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis in the Pacific to be hosted
by the Vanuatu Government in February 2010. The conference will be
sponsored by the UN and partnered by regional organisations.

70. Leaders agreed that there was an urgent need to agree on how best
to address the impact of this and future crises on the people of the
Pacific and requested the Secretariat to work closely with the Vanuatu
Government and the UN to ensure that the conference outcomes were well
aligned with the views and wishes of the Pacific Leaders and people.

71. Leaders agreed to further consider the recommendations of the
conference at their next meeting in 2010.

72. Leaders considered and welcomed the presentation made by Samoa
regarding a proposal for the establishment of a Regional PACP Office
in Brussels. Leaders noted the decision by the PACP Leaders on this
proposal.

SMALLER ISLAND STATES LEADERS' SUMMIT

73. Leaders noted the outcomes of the Smaller Island States Leaders'
Summit in particular issues relating to SIS Unit, bulk procurement
initiatives, shipping services, Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
(TMNP), renewable energy, and climate change, including the Majuro
Declaration on Climate Change.

PACIFIC ACP LEADERS' MEETING

74. Leaders noted the outcomes of the Pacific ACP Leaders' meeting.

CANDIDATURES

75. Leaders reaffirmed their strong and unanimous support for
Australia's candidature for the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the two
year term 2013-2014 and New Zealand's candidature for the two year
term 2015-2016. Recognising the importance of Canada as a constructive
partner for the region, the Forum also reaffirmed its support for
Canada's candidacy for the 2011-2012 term. Leaders agreed on the
benefit that Australia and New Zealand could bring to represent
Pacific islands interests on the UNSC in the event of successful
candidacies.

SOCCER WORLD CUP BID

76. Leaders affirmed their strong support for Australia's bid to host
the 2018/2022 Soccer World Cup.

APPRECIATION

77. Leaders commended the outgoing Chair, Honourable Toke T Talagi MP,
Premier of Niue, and his Government, for their outstanding leadership
of the Forum over the past year.

78. Leaders expressed appreciation for the strong leadership of the
Secretary General and the professionalism and commitment of
Secretariat staff. They noted the strong performance of the Secretary
General in his first year in office, notwithstanding the challenges.

VENUE

79. Leaders welcomed the Government of Vanuatu offer to host the 2010
Forum, the timing of which will be confirmed in consultation with
Leaders.

 

ANNEX A
PACIFIC LEADERS' CALL TO ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
6 August 2009
For Pacific Island states, climate change is the great challenge of
our time. It threatens not only our livelihoods and living standards,
but the very viability of some of our communities.
Though the role of Pacific Island States in the causes of climate
change is small, the impact on them is great. Many Pacific people face
new challenges in access to water. The security of our communities and
the health of populations is placed in greater jeopardy. And some
habitats and island states face obliteration.
Mindful of the Niue Declaration, we therefore address this Call to
Action to all leaders in the global community, and urgently seek their
support to address this grave threat.
Many actions are needed, but a strong global agreement is vital. We
therefore seek redoubled efforts from all states to secure a
successful agreement at Copenhagen in December.
With 122 days to go, the international community is not on track to
achieve the outcome we need unless we see a renewed mandate across all
participating nations.
We call upon world leaders to urgently increase their level of
ambition and to give their negotiators fresh mandates to secure a
truly effective global agreement.
We call for a post-2012 outcome that sets the world on a path to limit
the increase in global average temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius or
less.
We call on states to reduce global emissions by at least 50 per cent
below 1990 levels by 2050.
We call on states to ensure that global emissions peak no later than 2020.
We call on developed economies to take the lead by setting ambitious
and robust mid-term emissions reduction targets – consistent with the
agreed science and the directions embraced by the Major Economies
Forum Meeting in July 2009.
We also call on developed economies to strengthen the seriousness and
credibility of their claims at Copenhagen by putting in place domestic
policies and legislation now to achieve emission reductions targets.
And we call on major developing economies to commit to slow and then
reduce emissions growth over time, to nominate a peaking year for
their emissions, and to ensure a substantial collective reduction
below business-as-usual levels by 2020.
We call upon each major emitter to show leadership – to demonstrate by
their words and deeds that they are willing to make the tough
decisions necessary to secure the agreement that we need; and not to
wait for others to show the way forward.
We understand that just as deforestation is part of the problem, so
reducing deforestation and providing incentives to preserve forests
should be part of the solution.
To defeat deforestation and forest degradation, we acknowledge that
finance, technology and capacity development are necessary to underpin
a step-wise process necessary to increase emissions reductions and
carbon sequestration. Global carbon markets will play an important
role, requiring robust methodological standards for measurable,
reportable and verifiable actions.
For our part, we know that we will need to adapt to the changes in our
climate that are already inevitable. We stand ready to lead our
peoples in this adaptation process. But developing countries cannot do
this alone. We call for increased support, prioritised to those
developing countries most vulnerable and least able to respond.
We call for increased financing through carbon markets and other
channels for climate change adaptation and mitigation action in
developing countries, including through technology development and
diffusion, and we welcome initiatives by G20 Leaders to develop
financing options.
We call upon world leaders to recognise and act upon the threat
climate change poses to our marine environment, particularly its
effect on coral reefs, fisheries and food security.
We also call upon world leaders to include in a post-2012 arrangement
practical and concrete solutions for those whose future existence is
under threat.
In view of the situation of Small Island States and their future
survival action by the major emitters, both developed and developing
countries, should embrace the possibility of going beyond the 2050
targets contained within this Call to Action.
The world has shown, in responding to the global financial crisis,
that it is prepared to act swiftly and decisively to address tough
challenges. There will be no tougher challenge than addressing climate
change, and no greater imperative for the peoples of the Pacific.
We, the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum, commit ourselves to
working intensively with leaders of all states to achieve an effective
agreement at Copenhagen. We stand ready to play our part in securing
an outcome that can safeguard our people, their prosperity and the
planet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNEX B

CAIRNS COMPACT ON
STRENGTHENING DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION IN THE PACIFIC

The Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum met 4–7 August 2009 in Cairns
to bring new determination and an invigorated commitment to lift the
economic and development performance of the region.

Leaders expressed their deep concern that, despite continued high
levels of development assistance over many years, the Pacific region
remains off-track to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
by 2015. Given the need to improve development outcomes, address the
impact of the global economic downturn, and strengthen long-term
economic resilience, Leaders agreed there was an urgent need to
establish a new development compact for the Pacific. The key objective
of this compact will be to drive more effective coordination of
available development resources from both Forum Island countries and
all development partners, centred on the aim of achieving real
progress against the MDGs. They also called on the International
Financial Institutions to assist the Pacific Islands countries in
responding to the global economic crisis, including through supporting
better coordination mechanisms.

To realise this objective, Leaders agreed that the new development
compact would be based on the following principles:
• a recognition that broad-based, private sector-led growth was
essential to achieving faster development progress and that donors
should encourage the private sector, including through micro-finance
and support for larger-scale private sector projects;
• a recognition that improved governance and service delivery are
essential to achieving faster development progress;
• a recognition that greater investment in infrastructure would
underpin greater economic development;
• an acknowledgement that country leadership, mutual accountability
and mutual responsibility between Forum Island countries and their
development partners are fundamental to successful development
outcomes;
• the need to draw on international best-practice as expressed in the
Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for
Action; and
• a revitalised commitment to the achievement of the MDGs in the Pacific.

Leaders agreed that the Post Forum Dialogue will be the preeminent
mechanism for collective review of progress in strengthening
development coordination, to improve development outcomes and ensure
effective use of all resources for development. To this end, Leaders
agreed that:
­ The Forum Secretariat establish and report annually to the Post
Forum Dialogue on a process of regular peer review of Forum Island
countries' national development plans to promote international best
practice in key sectors, improve effective budget allocation processes
and guide support from development partners;
­ To help Pacific Island countries, especially small island states,
meet these reporting requirements Australia and New Zealand in
consultation with the Forum Secretariat would develop models for the
presentation of national development plans to the Post-Forum Dialogue,
and would assist states and the Forum Secretariat in preparing these
reports by providing appropriate resourcing;
­ Development partners be urged to provide an annual report to the
Forum Secretariat on their efforts in support of this Compact,
including efforts to reduce aid fragmentation, ease the burden of aid
administration and improve aid effectiveness, through measures such as
increased use of country partner systems, multi-year funding
commitments, pooled funding, the delegation of aid delivery to lead
donors, and collaborative analytical work; the Forum Secretariat would
be tasked to prepare a consolidated assessment of annual reports from
development partners for consideration by the Post Forum Dialogue;
­ The Forum Secretariat also prepare and present to the Pacific
Islands Forum Leaders and the Post Forum Dialogue an annual report on
progress towards the MDGs and the effectiveness of overall development
efforts in the region;
­ Leaders ensure the capacity and resources of the Forum Secretariat
are enhanced to support improved development coordination and
implementation of this Compact.
At the regional and national levels, Leaders agreed to the following
additional practical measures to give effect to a new development
compact for the Pacific:
- committing to an annual high level dialogue with national, regional
and international representatives of the private sector, as part of
the Pacific Islands Forum, to foster the reforms required for faster
private sector growth and employment generation;
­ directing the Forum Secretariat to coordinate with relevant
development partners to develop a "road map" aimed at progressive
strengthening of Forum Island countries' public expenditure
management, procurement, accountability and monitoring systems so they
are the best delivery mechanisms for official development assistance;
­ the close alignment of regional aid efforts with regional priorities
– as identified by Leaders, including through the Pacific Plan and
Leaders' other initiatives on regional trade and economic integration;
- the improvement of Forum Island countries' development data to guide
better decision-making; and
- committing to drive a higher-level of development coordination
through the Forum Economic Ministers' Meeting, the Pacific Island
Countries-Development Partners Meeting and annual national-level
dialogues with development partners.

Leaders called on all development partners to join with Pacific
Islands Forum countries in supporting the principles and the
implementation of this Compact. Development partners were asked to
ensure high level participation to review progress at future Post
Forum Dialogue meetings.

Leaders directed the Forum Secretariat to work with Forum members to
develop an implementation schedule and timetable to track progress in
delivering on this Compact.

Leaders also agreed that, ultimately, national development plans were
matters for national governments to determine.
ANNEX C
Recommendations for Progressing the Pacific Plan
Noting the new challenges for the region presented by the global
economic crisis and on-going vulnerability to external shocks, PPAC
recommends to Forum Leaders that they prioritise the areas presented
below to progress the implementation of the Pacific Plan over the next
three years by:
a. fostering economic development and promoting opportunities for
broad-based growth by:
i. developing effective policy and practical responses to the global
economic crisis with the objective of building sustained economic
resilience, including through: safeguarding macro-economic stability;
protecting core services; targeted support for the vulnerable;
boosting national competitiveness and strengthened development
coordination;
ii. continuing to support action in the fisheries sector which would
see commitment to implementing the direction offered by the Forum
Leaders through the Vava'u Declaration and Forum Fisheries Committee,
and in particular: progressing the development and implementation of
fisheries management and development regimes including Regional
Strategies on Sustainable Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific
Fisheries Commission conservation and management measures; Monitoring,
Control and Surveillance Strategies; addressing ongoing barriers to
international market access; the re-negotiation of the Multilateral
Treaty on Fisheries between Pacific Island States and the United
States; the fostering of coastal fisheries; and strengthening the
sector's governance;
iii. building on existing marine protected areas and initiatives;
iv. expediting the implementation of the 2009 Pacific Energy
Ministers' decisions and, in particular, the five key areas
highlighted by these Ministers to achieve greater energy security
across the Pacific;
v. providing greater support to tourism, the region's largest economic
driver, and, in particular: accelerating development of emerging
geographic and niche markets; improving access to Pacific destinations
by air and sea; and continuing to build the capacity of small and
medium service providers to cater to current and emerging
international markets and generate employment opportunities;
vi. developing regional and national frameworks to enable the
development of the economic potential of marine mineral resources; and
strengthening regional and national capacity in the mining,
environment, labour and financial sectors to comply with relevant
standards for the deep-sea mining industry within the region, while
supporting environmental monitoring that preserves ecosystems and
terrestrial and marine biodiversity;
vii. fostering greater international and intra-regional trade
opportunities by proceeding with the implementation of key regional
trade agreements and, in particular, working to allow for the freer
movement of goods and services;
viii. strengthening the ability of the private sector to participate
competitively in an integrated economy through the necessary enabling
environments and support mechanisms;
ix. addressing issues that hinder the movement of goods and services
through expediting fit-for-purpose solutions in the transport sector
and, in particular: improving and developing necessary infrastructure;
supporting the implementation of the region's 2009 Shipping Ministers'
directions; and the ongoing implementation of PIASA in the aviation
sector, to ensure greater security, safety, reliability and
competition of services across the region;
x. implementing the directions provided by the region's Ministers for
ICT and, in particular, revising and updating the Regional Digital
Strategy;
xi. continuing the implementation of the economic integration agenda
promoted and regularly reviewed by the Forum Economic Ministers and,
in particular, establishing components of the Regional Regulatory
Stepladder as directed by these Ministers; and
xii. increasing support for infrastructure development and maintenance
across the region.
b. Improving livelihoods and the well-being of Pacific peoples by:
i. continuing efforts to better ensure food security for people across
the region and, in particular, expediting efforts to improve food
standards and food quality and support agriculture, aquaculture and
fisheries, through initiatives such as the Pacific Food Summit
proposed for 2010;
ii. Ensuring healthy populations through: the ongoing implementation
of the Vanuatu Commitment and the recent Madang Declaration for Action
from the 2009 Ministers of Health Meeting including enhanced efforts
to better understand health determinants and build the sector's
governance and ability to respond pro-actively to current and emerging
health needs;
iii. improving access to opportunities afforded through stronger
education systems at all levels by implementing the directions given
by Forum Education Ministers and, in particular, progressing the
implementation of the Pacific Education Development Framework to
better provide Pacific peoples access to economic opportunities
through skills and prospects for mobility;
iv. Urging efforts to pursue the opportunities offered by the
appropriate utilisation and development of land resources to minimise
the risk of conflict, improve security and assist in economic
development, while recognising that land is a national responsibility;
v. supporting the implementation of measures, existing commitments and
programmes aimed at increasing awareness of and addressing the causes
and consequences of sexual and gender-based violence and developing
legislation to criminalize gender-based violence in all forms;
vi. prioritising national actions to mainstream youth issues into the
national development agenda; and
vii. acknowledging the importance of ensuring access to greater and
more equitable opportunities for those with disabilities, to enhance
their quality of life and promote and protect their rights and
dignity.
c. Addressing the impacts of Climate Change by:
i. continuing the implementation of the Niue Declaration on Climate Change;
ii. Developing Pacific-tailored responses to support adaptation and
mitigation measures and better coordination of Disaster Risk
Management-Climate Change Adaptation (DRM-CCA), and furthering
regional and international efforts and research to support national
action in combating climate change;
iii. coordinating regional efforts in the completion and early
implementation of the outcomes of the December 2009 Copenhagen
meetings;
iv. enhancing the resilience of ecological systems and associated
biodiversity and providing ecosystem services with a focus on the
impacts of climate change in line with the Year of Biodiversity in
2010;
v. assisting with the assessment called for by the United Nations
General Assembly Resolution A/Res/63/281 Climate Change and its
Possible Security Implications;
vi. Strengthening data collection and analysis for improved climatic
monitoring and preparedness through integrated whole-system
approaches;
vii. building scientific capacity across the region through strategic
partnerships with bodies such as the Inter-governmental Panel on
Climate Change, and an expansion in scientific education and training
programmes; and
viii. building support, with the assistance of regional and
international partners, for the new Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral
Reefs, Fisheries and Food security, and capitalising on the offer made
by Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to share relevant lessons
learned.
d. Achieving stronger national development through better governance by:
i. demonstrating strong national leadership and enhanced regional
attention to accelerate improvements to development coordination in
the region, to maximise the effectiveness and impact of the resources
of Pacific island governments and development partners to make faster
progress towards the Millennium Development Goals;
ii. committing to sustainable and appropriate: collection and
compilation of statistics; information management; and
records-keeping, to ensure the development and implementation of
better-informed national policy;
iii. implementing efforts to allow for improved access to official information;
iv. supporting efforts to allow an enhanced role for women in national
decision-making processes;
v. Continuing to strengthen accountability and integrity institutions,
through approaches such as the Pacific Ombudsman Alliance and Pacific
Regional Audit Initiative;
vi. encouraging greater involvement of parliamentarians in the
development agenda, through the Forum Presiding Officers and
Clerks/Pacific Parliamentary Assembly for Population and Development
(FPOC-PPAPD) and other leadership groups;
vii. addressing corruption through the use and implementation of
relevant and existing national, regional and international mechanisms
and commitments;
e. Ensuring improved social, political and legal conditions for
stability, safety and security by:
i. improving human security outcomes for Members, through advancing
effective conflict prevention, conflict resolution mechanisms and
peace building;
ii. strengthening cooperation in the law enforcement and border
security sectors to address terrorism and transnational crime; and
iii. promoting and consolidating regional stability through adherence
to Forum values and the principles of the Biketawa Declaration.

ANNEX D

SPC-SOPAC-SPREP/RIF (01) Summary of decisions
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH

JOINT MEETING OF SOPAC, SPC AND SPREP GOVERNING BODIES
ON THE REGIONAL INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK (RIF)
(Tradewinds Convention Centre, Suva, Fiji, 7-8 July 2009)

SUMMARY OF DECISIONS

1. The governing bodies of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience
Commission (SOPAC), the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Pacific
Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) met together under the
chairmanship of the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum
Secretariat to consider options for new institutional arrangements for
their organisations. The meeting was an historic occasion, being the
first time that such a joint meeting has been held. Work on the reform
of the current Regional Institutional Framework (RIF) has been carried
out in response to the decision of Pacific Islands Forum Leaders and
the previous decisions of the three governing bodies that SOPAC
programmes and services should be rationalised into SPC and SPREP. As
a result, the CEOs of SOPAC, SPC and SPREP, with the support of their
staff, have undertaken extensive consultation to develop options for
such a rationalisation and have commissioned reports from independent
consultants on the financial, legal and operational implications of
various options. An overriding consideration of these consultations
has been the need to avoid fragmentation or diminution of SOPAC's core
services, which are highly valued by its members, and to ensure that
the region benefits from enhanced synergies and efficiencies as a
result of the rationalisation, in accordance with the objectives of
the RIF process and the wishes of Forum leaders. After extensive
deliberation of the options and associated implementation plans
presented, the joint meeting of the governing bodies of SOPAC, SPC and
SPREP agreed on the following decisions. These decisions will be
provided to Forum Leaders through the Pacific Plan Action Committee.

DECISIONS

a) With respect to the ICT Outreach Programme of SOPAC, the joint
meeting of the governing bodies:
(i) endorsed the integration of the ICT Outreach Programme of SOPAC
into the Digital Strategy component of the proposed, new division of
Economic Development, Energy, Transport, Infrastructure and
Communication of SPC from January 2010;
(ii) noted that the final implementation plan will be presented to the
meetings of the respective governing bodies of SPC and SOPAC in
October 2009; and
(iii) noted further that the GIS and remote sensing functions
constitute an integral part of the core scientific work of SOPAC and
will transfer to SPC from January 2010.

b) With respect to the Energy Programme of SOPAC, the joint meeting of
the governing bodies:
(i) endorsed the decision taken by Pacific Energy Ministers in Tonga
in April 2009 in which Energy Ministers:
a. agreed that regional and donor coordination and delivery of energy
services to Pacific Island countries be strengthened and delivered
through one energy agency and through one programme contributing to
the development of a stronger energy sector and improved service to
member countries; and
b. in this context, noted that there was a need to ensure that energy
policy and climate change policy remained separate, where
environmental aspects are managed by SPREP and energy sector
activities by SPC so as to ensure that the socio-economic aspects of
energy were adequately addressed;
(ii) recognised the interrelationship and links between energy and
climate change and the need to address energy policy in relation to
climate change as an integral part of the final implementation plan
for rationalisation of the energy programme of SOPAC;
(iii) noted that this plan will be presented for consideration to the
meetings of the governing body of SPREP in September and of SOPAC and
SPC in October 2009 to enable implementation from January 2010.

c) With respect to the balance of the SOPAC core work programme, the
joint meeting of the governing bodies:

(i) welcomed the commitment by members to strengthen SPREP as the
region's lead environmental agency, including through support for the
implementation of the approved decisions relating to the independent
corporate review of SPREP;

(ii) agreed that the following specific SOPAC functions be transferred
to SPREP from January 2010: the Pacific Islands Global Ocean Observing
System, the Islands Climate Update, the Climate and Meteorological
Database, and the component of the energy sector relating to
monitoring and evaluation of greenhouse gases and the clean
development mechanism (CDM);

(iii) agreed that the remaining functions of SOPAC be transferred to
SPC as a new geoscience division from January 2010 based on the final
implementation plan to be presented to and considered by the governing
bodies of SOPAC and SPC in October 2009;

(iv) encouraged SPREP and SPC to optimise linkages between their work
programmes and activities in the area of environment to strengthen
service delivery and coordination; and

(v) agreed that progress with the transfer of SOPAC functions be
reported to the annual meetings of the governing bodies and Pacific
Plan Action Committee.

 

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