SUVA, Wednesday 12 July, 2017: A courtesy call was made by a high level delegation led by H.E Ambassador Tha Aung Nyun and First Secretary Aye Thanda Shwe from the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the PIDF Secretariat. The courtesy visit by the Myanmar delegation was to enhance their knowledge on the dynamics of PIDF in the Pacific region and identify areas of mutual collaboration especially in the areas of sustainable development.
The visit allowed PIDF Secretary General, François Martel the opportunity to provide an overview on the role PIDF plays in the Pacific, its unique and inclusive multi-stakeholder structures and insight into major accomplishments and strategic pathways forward to achieve PIDF’s mandated responsibilities.
“We are a space for catalysing, mobilizing and mainstreaming action in support of sustainable development through green/blue economy in Pacific Island Countries and an action-oriented platform to identify innovative solutions and work closely with international institutions to engage state and non-state actors to develop high-impact collaborations on sustainable development and poverty reduction in the Pacific Islands,” explained the Secretary General to the visiting delegation.
“PIDF provides a framework for bringing together the expertise of the private sector, normative leadership of the public sector, and successful delivery mechanisms of civil society.”
The Secretary General also highlighted upcoming events such as the 1st High Level Pacific Blue Economy Conference to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands in August this year and extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Nyun.
“We had productive discussions during the meeting with HE Nyun visit especially on the role of PIDF as Pacific SIDS and South-South platform partnership, as well as the potential for closer collaboration with Myanmar especially in the context of sustainable development” said Secretary General Martel.
The progress on the establishment of National Sustainable Development Boards (NSDBs) within member countries was also mentioned to the visiting delegation.
“We are having in-country consultations with our members for the establishment of NSDBs which are in effect multi-stakeholders’ national focal points and first level of Governance for the PIDF and have setup NSDBs successfully in three member countries while the others are on the verge of being formally setup”, said the Secretary General Martel.
“These consultations include discussions on the proposed PIDF Strategic Plan, draft PIDF Climate Roadmap and the draft Pacific Climate Treaty”.
Ambassador Nyun acknowledged the work that has been implemented by PIDF within the Pacific region and assured the Secretariat to discuss further with his capital areas of possible mutual cooperation for future projects as aligned to the PIDF Strategic Plan