18th June, 2018 More than 10 government officials from the Pacific Small Island States (SIDS) and development partners attended the Pacific Small Island Developing States Regional Preparatory Meeting on the Mid-Term review of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway, at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel.
Among the priorities of the SAMOA Pathway are gender equality and women’s empowerment, social development, sustainable energy, disaster risk reduction, oceans and seas, water and sanitation and implementation of durable and sustainable partnerships.
Assistant Representative, Pacific Sub Regional Office, Fiji, Ms Lorna Rolls said, “We are here because people are at the center of sustainable development, not as a matter of statistics and numbers but as individuals and a collective of individuals with needs and aspirations and dreams to be better, to serve a purpose as a people and to be the best versions of ourselves.”
“Over the past 20 years, the ICPD has delivered important contributions in many ways, especially in reducing maternal mortality, advancing the agenda of women’s wellbeing and reproductive rights, expanding the potential of young people and building capacities in data collection, analysis and utilization for evidence based policies, legislation and programmes.”
“In a polarized world and a warming planet, the ICPD mandate, is as relevant today, as it was in 1994. In line with the ICPD, the 2030 Development Agenda, the SAMOA Pathway, the UN Pacific Strategy, the Moana Declaration and the KAILA! Declaration, UNFPA is working with the Pacific SIDS, the UN system and Pacific regional organizations to tackle issues of persistent inequalities, promotion of human rights, particularly in the areas of gender equality, the empowerment of women and the adolescent girl, addressing also gender-based violence; access to sexual and reproductive health and the realization of reproductive rights, HIV prevention; adolescents and youth, focusing on family life education; urbanization and migration; and capacity building in data collection and analysis”, she added.
Ms Rolls told the gathering that the ICPD progressed enormously and transformed the lives of untold millions. But progress has been forwards and backwards.
“The UN Pacific Strategy for 2018-2022 provides the broad framework for the delivery of UN programmes, in line with national priorities and aligned to international commitments such as the SAMOA Pathway and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
She stated that the gathering is a small platform to talanoa about our actions and the investments we have made in addressing the SAMOA Pathway priorities on health, gender, youth, and partnerships. The future generations will hold us accountable to the promises we have made.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.