Forum and Commonwealth to work together on local government
JOINT PRESS STATEMENT (10/08)
4th March 2008 PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM AND COMMONWEALTH TO WORK TOGETHER ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE REGION The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) are combining their efforts to meet the challenges that face local governments in the Pacific region. In acknowledgment of the important role of local government in achieving shared goals, the two regional organisations have decided to enter into a formal cooperation agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to give effect to this agreement was signed last December. The two organisations recognise that Pacific Island States are undergoing a systematic process of growth and development which has been accompanied by an accelerated pace of urbanisation. Increasingly, cities and towns are recognised as de facto engines of economic growth and opportunity with expanding business, trade and tourism links internationally with growing linkages to their rural hinterlands. Against this background, many governments in the region have sought to improve governance and quality of life indicators through the adoption of decentralisation policies which seek to empower local governments, locally elected leaders and their stakeholders. PIFS and CLGF believe that there is need to raise the stakes in respect to local government in the Pacific; to improve quality of life in the towns and cities; to exemplify good governance and to develop local governments that exhibit creativity and integrity, have the confidence of the communities they serve and deliver best possible services. They say that local government in the Pacific region operates in a changing and uncertain environment. Challenges such as rapid urbanisation with its inherent increased management responsibilities, decentralisation, high expectations from the citizens, resource constraints, service delivery and implementation gaps, good governance, citizen participation and community mobilisation, remoteness, political volatility and effective working relationship with traditional structures all add to the strategic management and decision making responsibilities of local leaders. “To meet these challenges the Commonwealth Local Government Forum has developed a local government capacity building programme targeting the Pacific Islands to strengthen good governance within councils across the region,” said CLGF Secretary-General Carl Wright. “CLGF looks forward to enhancing the already well established working environment with PIFS following signing of the MoU.” “The respective visions of CLGF and PIFS are closely linked. Both recognise the value of partnership and regional cooperation,” stated PIFS Acting Secretary-General Peter Forau. The MoU acknowledges that the Pacific Plan forms the basis of ongoing strengthening of regional cooperation and integration for the benefit of the people of the Pacific and that local and sub-national government can contribute to achieving the goals of the Plan. “The Pacific Plan enhances and stimulates economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security for Pacific countries through regionalism,” said Mr Forau. “CLGF fully supports the Pacific Plan and the coordination role of PIFS and looks forward to working with the Secretariat in a spirit of friendly cooperation based on mutual respect and professional interaction, in particular on the work dealing with urbanisation and urban management through the implementation of the Pacific Urban Agenda,” Mr Wright added. ENDS. For more information please contact Dr Henry Ivarature, the Forum’s Regional Governance Adviser on phone 679 331 2600 or email: henryi@forumsec.org.fj or Mr Terry Parker, CLGF Pacific Project Manager on phone 679 330 0257 or email clgfsuva@connect.com.fj |
2008