Tokelau now represented at PIFS meetings in Suva

Suva, 9 December 2014

For the first time, Tokelau is actively participating in meetings of the Pacific Islands Forum. This follows its admittance as Associate Member of PIF in Palau last July.
 
A preliminary meeting of of Small Island States took place today. The Forum Officials Committee (FOC) meets 10-11 December  to discuss the 2015 work plan.
The Committee will consider the Secretariat’s 2015 Budget and Work Programme as well as the status of ongoing work at the Forum Secretariat to implement the Framework for Pacific Regionalism amongst other matters.

“This would be my first meeting since being appointed by Forum Leaders in July, and I am very pleased to be able to attend the Budget and Work Programme session of the Forum Officials Committee. This is an important occasion for the Members to consider the 2015 budget and work programme for the Secretariat as well as the Secretariat’s work under its Corporate Plan,” said Dame Meg Taylor, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. “I also look forward to Members’ consideration of progress made by the Secretariat to date in implementing the Framework for Pacific Regionalism.”
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Admitted as Associate Member of the Pacific Islands Forum, in Palau last July, Tokelau is represented by Joe Souveinakama, General Manager in Apia. He is seen here to share lunch with Dame Meg Taylor, Secretary-General of the PIF Secretariat (left); and Mrs Reteta Rimon, the Kiribati High Commissioner to Fiji (right) after a meeting of Small Island States today.
 
Coinciding with International Human Rights Day (10 December) and the end of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, the Forum Secretariat will also launch the White Ribbon Campaign at the Forum Officials Committee meeting.
 
“The White Ribbon Campaign is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity,” says Dame Meg.
 
“In launching this initiative, we hope this will be the first step toward fostering a secretariat wide culture and practice of addressing violence against women and we will celebrate with our men, who will pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.”
 
The meeting held at the Secretariat’s Headquarters will be attended by senior officials of Pacific Islands Forum member countries and Associate Members as well as representatives from agencies of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP).
For the first time, Tokelau is attending the PIFS meetings following its admittance as Associate Member, in Palau last July. Tokelau is represented by Joe Souveinakama, General Manager,e Office of the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau, based in Apia.