Held every four years, the Pacific Urban Forum (PUF) is an inclusive, multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue on the linkages between the social, economic and environmental dimensions of equitable development and what creates a sustainable urban future for the Pacific. CLGF is one of the organising partners of the PUF, and is delighted that its members and the Pacific Regional Director, Ms Karibaiti Taoaba, will play a key role in this event, as part of the Pacific Urban Partnership

Socio-economic and environmental issues

Pacific Islands Countries are facing rapid urbanisation trends. The growth of urban populations leads to socio-economic and environmental challenges such as an increase in unemployment, rising inequalities, a growing pressure on urban service delivery and a significant demand for affordable housing. Intertwined with these issues are the region’s high levels of vulnerability to climate change and disaster risk, which treatens traditional livelihood resources, marine and low-lying island areas. Accompanying these challenges, there is a renewed recognition of the many opportunities that sustainable urbanisation

brings for the Pacific. 

Action plans and strategies

The 6th PUF aims to develop action plans, provide recommendations for urbanisation strategies and elicit voluntary commitments from different stakeholders in order to successfully anchor and implement the Pacific New Urban Agenda (PNUA) and promote sustainable urbanisation. It will also showcase innovative solutions and Pacific Regional approaches, enabled by knowledge, new data and technology to build sustainable, safe, resilient and inclusive human settlements in the region.

Marking 20 years since the first PUF and co-hosted by the Pacific Urban Partnership and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Sixth Pacific Urban Forum will be held in Suva, Fiji Islands, from 5 to 7 September, 2023.

The 2023 Forum will enable Pacific Island communities to pool their skills and experience in addressing shared challenges. It can build on this shared experience in re-energising the PNUA, identifying opportunities for innovation and new achievement including:

• Awareness raising of the important role of Pacific cities and towns
• Collection and exchange of knowledge and data on sustainable urbanisation
• Developing new partnerships
• Coordinating inputs to the 8th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum and 12th World Urban Forum.

To contribute to the thematic entry points and sessions, as well as provide case studies and new ideas, please contact Karibaiti Taoaba for further information.

For more information, including registration details, keep up to date with the Pacific Urban Partnership website.