Commentary

The news that China will provide a further USD 1 billion in concessional loans to Pacific island countries has been met with a general sense of jubilation. But this may well be a cause for concern rather than celebration.

" I cannot see in the entire world that there is one example proving that democracy alone solves all political, social and economic problems." A stinging critique of the state of global democracy by Timor Leste prime minister Xanana Gusmao

Vire Dare Naure Jean Sese was director general of the prime minister's office in Vanuatu for years. I was only two weeks in-country when I first met him. If this is the calibre of the senior civil service, I told myself as I left, then Vanuatu has a lot going for it.

For many Pacific nations, education is regarded as the key foundation stone of building a peaceful, productive, and prosperous society. But educators are looking for solutions as to why there is very little improvement in student performance, even after so much reform has been carried out.

In the development world of Pacific governments and NGOs, overseas travel is little discussed but frequently undertaken. The list of events multiply each year such staff are able to spend close to half the year on the road — and frequently do. But how does this ongoing interruption affect services to the public?

The Internet Governance Forum is a sprawling, unfocused event with disparate interests. It was designed to have no regulatory authority, no policy levers and indeed, no formal mandate to advocate even for issues about which the entire world is in screaming agreement. It can’t even publish findings. And that is its genius.