Some key highlights from PiPP’s conversation with MSG Secretariat Director General Peter Forau
- Melanesia is unique and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) benefits as an organisation, from the member countries shared culture, ethnicity and geography.
- While the MSG was founded 25 years ago, the secretariat will be celebrating only its fifth birthday in May 2013.
- The MSG Secretariat helps Melanesian countries coordinate their activities on key issues issues cross-border issues such as the FLNKS independence movement in New Caledonia, a nuclear free Pacific, and increased trade.
- The MSG’s reporting structure means that they generally communicate to member governments through their respective ministries of foreign affairs. However, national consultations do take place with governments, NGOs and the private sector, so wider stakeholder engagement is there. The MSG is seeking to connect more with the grassroots to help inform their decision-making process.
- The MSG secretariat is currently considering West Papua’s calls to become part of the organisation. The issue will be explored in greater depth at the upcoming leaders summit. The MSG is considering some kind of formal recognition of West Papua, though the exact details will be looked at in more after June. The international community has a role to play in this issue.
- The MSG is not an intergovernmental organization. This means that non-state actors and communities have the right to express an interest in becoming a part of the MSG.
- The chairmanship of the MSG rotates every two years and it is the FLNKS’ turn next. The FLNKS see chairmanship as a particularly valuable opportunity given their domestic political situation.
- While some may argue that subregional organisations are of less importance than regional ones, regional challenges are often the same, only more pronounced in Melanesia. The work being done by regional organisations is often insufficient, so it makes sense for Melanesians to work together to address their challenges. It’s not a question of duplicating but rather reinforcing the work everyone does. Regional organisations have a place. Subregional organisations have a place.
- Regional organisations and international organisations are starting to recognise and relate more with the MSG and are seeking to engage in joint programming. The MSG is gradually building its profile internationally.
This article was written by
Erika is a communications associate with PiPP, having joined us in September 2011. Prior to this, Erika had completed a 6 month internship with the European Union Delegation to Vanuatu. She has also worked as a Public Relations associate in the Colombian media industry for six years. Erika holds a Master degree in International Conflict Studies from King's College London.
