More from Derek Brien

A Pacific perspective on more effective donor engagement through policy dialogue. Improving the nexus between policymaking, research and other development actions creates opportunities for more inclusive and informed policy choices.

If Pacific voices are to be heard in the post-2015 debate, our leaders and thinkers need to step up their presence on the international stage. We must deconstruct colonial thinking and start truly conducting ourselves as independent states.

Will 2014 be the watershed year for the Forum? The ingredients are there – a new secretary general, the return of Fiji, a roadmap for reform of the institution and the Pacific Plan, and growing international interest in the post-Forum dialogue. Just mix, stir and serve.

PiPP reached another significant milestone in 2012, celebrating our fifth anniversary. In this article we present an overview of our work for the year in the context of what was happening in our region and beyond. Themes explored include Elections and politics, Geopolitics and security, aid, Regional integration, Sustainable development.

Dismissing the current diplomatic standoff between Australia and Vanuatu as a case of ‘the mouse that roared’ is a bad idea. A new era of understanding is required to reset the relationship towards mutually beneficial closer integration.