More from Giff Johnson

If Australia and other aid agencies take an in-depth look at the region, they will see an under-funded but over-achieving NGO sector and under-capitalized private sector searching for ways to expand initiatives that produce jobs, writes Giff Johnson.

There is a big disconnect between attending climate meetings and action on the home front, and very possibly the disconnect is the result of officials being more focused on attending climate meetings than they are on doing work at the community level, writes Giff Johnson.

The upcoming election and democracy in Fiji are two different things: while Fiji has announced its decision to hold an election, its continued muzzling of media and now NGOs in the lead up to the vote is indicative of the lack of democracy, writes Giff Johnson.

Will the unprecedented nuclear non-proliferation lawsuits help Marshall Islanders with their nuclear claims? Engagement at home on nuclear issues is a needed first step if Marshall Islanders are to benefit from these unprecedented NPT lawsuits, writes Giff Johnson.

Pacific governments need to find a better way to foster private sector growth. An approach worth taking up is to invest in already established businesses that have the human resource, physical infrastructure and demonstrated business experience, writes Giff Johnson.

High teen pregnancy rates are a challenge to national development in the Pacific, nevertheless, it is fair to say that this issue has not grabbed the attention of government health and development policy makers in the region, writes Giff Johnson.