History of PIDF

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At the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio + 20) that met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012, Heads of State and Government and high-level representatives called for a strengthened institutional framework for sustainable development that can respond coherently and effectively to current and future challenges, that integrates the three dimensions of sustainable development in a balanced manner, is inclusive, transparent and effective, strengthens coherence and coordination, and finds common solutions to global challenges related to sustainable development.

The Conference also recognized the green economy as a tool to achieve sustainable development. The key elements of the strengthened institutional framework include regional and sub-regional organisations that prioritize sustainable development and promote balanced integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development and which are supported in the effective operationalization and implementation of sustainable development.

Engagement with the Pacific

The call for a “Pacific Island Development Forum” (PIDF) was endorsed by Pacific Island Leaders at the 2012 “Engaging with the Pacific” meeting held at the Westin International Hotel, Denarau, Nadi, Fiji, 23rd – 24th August 2012. The Official Communiqué recorded that the Leaders, “Endorsed the convening of the Pacific Islands Development Forum for the purpose of engaging leaders from key sectors in implementing green economic policies in PSIDS…”

​The meeting was attended by:

Prime Minister of Fiji Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama​
President of Nauru H.E. Sprent Dabwido
President of the Republic of Marshall Islands H.E. Christopher Loeak
Prime Minister of Tuvalu Hon Willy Telavi
Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu Hon Ham Lini Vanuaroroa
Deputy Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Hon Manasseh Maelanga
Minister for Marine Resources Tourism and Education of Cook Islands Hon Teina Bishop
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor Leste Hon Dr. Jose Luis Guterres
Minister for Economic and Foreign Trade of New Caledonia Hon Anthony Lecren
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tonga Mr. Mahe Tupouniua
Senator Richard Tuheiava of French Polynesia
Mrs. Makurita Baro Special Envoy of Kiribati
High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea to Fiji H.E. Peter Eafeare
Ambassador of Federated States of Micronesia to Fiji H.E. Gerson Jackson