Blank Canvas:
What should a Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations entail?
It is over one year since PiPP was registered under the Vanuatu Charitable Associations Act but as a concept it was born a long time ago. The ideas that led to the establishment of PiPP are not those of one or two people, and the reality of the organisation is the result of collective thinking and collaborative effort. Much of the former having been done over a shell or two of kava!
We were not alone in recognising a considerable gap between academic and technical observations, and the realities on the ground. the beauty of our model is its simplicity … provide an inclusive forum for discussion Nor are we the only ones recognising the enormous investment in research and development programs. So why are such initiatives not shaping policy? Why are key messages not reaching national decision-makers? Why is it that throughout the Pacific, debate on pressing policy issues is limited? Why do policy debates fail to engage local communities? We know there is a wealth of knowledge, ideas and experience out there. The thinking behind PiPP is to connect these with the live policy debate. Adapting information and the latest thinking to advance the search for home grown solutions to national development challenges.
The beauty of our model is its simplicity. We don’t profess to have the answers. We don’t want to steer the debate. What we do want to do is provide an inclusive forum for discussion and ensure participants (be they policy makers, civil servants, community leaders, young people, older people, men and women) have access to quality information in user relevant language and formats. It is both necessary and desirable for us to work in partnership. And again, the simplicity of our model ensures we don’t try to replicate the work of others. For example, by working with the media, community based organisations, churches and different levels of government we can engage with wider audiences. By working in partnership with established research bodies we do not go about re-inventing the wheel.
Central to our success is our Advisory Council of eminent leaders, elder statesmen, academics, and policy practitioners. When we set about establishing PiPP, the idea was to keep the administrative arm quite small and to work through a network of people. In a short space of time this network spans most of the Pacific island countries and is forever growing deeper.
The organisation has also benefited greatly from the dedication and hard work of its staff, both temporary and permanent. In addition to the small core team in Port Vila we have had over 30 research assistants and contractors work with us over the last year and greatly appreciate their input.
As we grow, we hope that so too does the opportunity for people to share ideas and experiences because it is central to our success is our Advisory Council of eminent leaders, elder statesmen, academics, and policy practitioners through such sharing that creative solutions to problems are found. Creative solutions that are steeped in cultural and political relevance. Creative ideas that respond not just to problems, but also that seek to steer policy in new directions based on visionary thought and empirical evidence.
We are indebted to the people and organisations that have supported us through our infancy, and look forward to continuing these relationships as PiPP matures. On behalf of the board, management and staff – thank you!
Nikunj Soni
Chair of the Board and Executive Director
