Pacific Plan – key findings

Former PNG Prime Minister & Pacific Plan Review Chairman, Sir Mekere Morauta has released the findings of the Pacific Plan review and says the Pacific Plan no longer reflects the changed political, economic and social circumstances in the Pacific. Sir Mekere highlighted the need for structural reforms to replace the obsolete arrangements that he claims are failing to capture the political values of the Pacific Islands Forum, as a relevant institution.  Sir Mekere suggested that Pacific pride was suffering as some island nations were lagging in development.

Vulnerability to external shocks including the environment, politics and fragile island economies were highlighted, along with an appeal for balance in handling the challenges of modernity and traditional ways within adapted institutional structures and mechanisms. Feedback from the review acknowledged that development challenges are not being matched by political will to chart a clear path and to re-forge the broken links between citizen voices and the political elite.