Fiji PM Calls For Regional Cooperation In Promoting Green Blue Economy

Submitted by PIR Editor on Wed, 07/13/2016 – 15:53

Bainimarama says regional organizations should have clear, distinct mandates

By Matilda Simmons

SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, July 14, 2016) – Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has called on members of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) to work together in advancing the Green Blue Economy for the Pacific.

“The transition to a Green Blue Economy is a long-term challenge, and we, and the rest of the world, will need to persevere and spare no effort as we move towards more efficient use and conservation of natural resources and greater respect for our beloved ocean,” said Mr Bainimarama during the official handing over the role of chairman to the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, at the PIDF Leaders’ Summit in Honiara yesterday.

Mr Bainimarama said the United Nations had confirmed the PIDF’s registration of its charter, which would pave the way for the PIDF to participate in all UN processes and meetings.

“PIDF is now at a turning point. It is now equipped with a strong professional team that should get the organisation to the next step,” he said.

“The process is long, but there will be great rewards as we move forward. We need to remember where we come from and what we are made of,” he said.

With the evolution of the Framework of Pacific Regionalism, Mr Bainimarama said it wasn’t in the best interest of PIDF to have overlapping roles with other agencies and that the roles of these agencies were clearly defined to avoid competition.

“There are many groups all trying to do good work and we should not be running into each other or duplicating effort. And we certainly don’t need competition. This is a collective responsibility and a common cause for the Pacific people.”

Mr Bainimarama congratulated the new PIDF chairman on the new journey of the organisation.

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