Cooperation to boost local government in the Pacific
04 March 2008
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) are combining their efforts to meet the challenges that face local governments in the Pacific region.
In acknowledgment of the important role of local government in achieving shared goals, the two regional organisations have decided to enter into a formal cooperation agreement.
Pacific Island states are undergoing a systematic process of growth and development which has been accompanied by an accelerated pace of urbanisation and the two organisations believe that there is need to raise the stakes in respect to local government in the Pacific; to improve quality of life in the towns and cities; to exemplify good governance and to develop local governments that exhibit creativity and integrity, have the confidence of the communities they serve and deliver best possible services.
CLGF in collaboration with UNDP Pacific Centre, the Foundation of the South Pacific International (FSPI), University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is undertaking research to identify traditional governance systems in Pacific Island cultures and see whether or not they can co-exist in harmony with the modern governance system, and if not how they could be harmonised to complement each other to promote good governance.
Kiribati and Tuvalu were the first countries to run seminars to strengthen effective intergovernmental relations within different governance structures so that they can work always as partners in development. The seminars are part of CLGF’s work to facilitate closer working relationship between the national, local and traditional leaders to create stronger working partnership between them.
The Fiji Good Local Governance Campaign invites entries for the 2007 Pacific Urban Art Competition. The competition is open to all forms of artwork including painting, drawing, computer graphics, photography and sculpture. The theme of the competition is Realising Urban Futures and is intended to encourage participants to explore new ideas and opportunities for the future of cities and towns in Fiji. The Competition and resulting artwork will help to highlight the importance of local government as the emerging leaders responsible for managing urban growth and the need for strengthening partnerships at all levels.
