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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.

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.

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.

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.

Cairns
6 August 2009

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:

fostering economic development and promoting opportunities for broad-based growth
by:

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;

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;

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.

Improving livelihoods and the well-being of Pacific peoples by:

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;

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.

Addressing the impacts of Climate Change by:

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;

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.

Achieving stronger national development through better governance by:

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;

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;

Ensuring improved social, political and legal conditions for stability, safety and
security by:

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

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.