More than 300 delegates including leaders, ministers and senior government officials from Forum Member countries, associate members and observers and development partners of the Forum, as well as representatives of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) and the media, are in Koror, Palau to attend the 45th Pacific Islands Forum and related meetings from 29 July to 1 August.
“I convey the appreciation of the Forum Secretariat, and indeed that of all Forum Members, for the Republic of Palau’s generous offer to host the 45th Pacific Islands Leaders Forum,” said Mr. Tuiloma Neroni Slade.
“I am sure that all Forum members are looking forward to visiting Palau and to a very productive and successful meeting.
“I congratulate the Government of Palau for choosing an appropriate theme for the meetings: The Ocean: Life & Future. It is a theme that is most timely with considerable strategic significance in the lead up to the Third United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States to be held in Samoa, in September. Without question the SIDS 2014 Conference presents a rare opportunity for our region to influence and shape global development priorities, including with respect to the oceans,” said Mr. Slade.
“A principal subject for Leaders’ consideration is the action taken to implement the directives of the Special Leaders’ Retreat on the Review of the Pacific Plan and the endorsed re-casting of the Pacific Plan as the Framework for Pacific Regionalism,” said the Secretary General.
In addition to other matters, Forum Leaders will also be expected to consider issues relating to development effectiveness, regional security and partnerships in heading towards the SIDS conference.
