Connectivity key for sustainable Polynesia

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 04 September 2017, 12:00AM

Connectivity is the key to a sustainable future, Leaders of the Polynesian Leaders Group were told yesterday.

That was the message from caretaker Prime Minister of Tonga, 'Akilisi Pohiva, who chaired the meeting at Sheraton Aggie Grey’s hotel.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi joined leaders from American Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Niue. 

The theme of this year’s gathering is “Sustainable Polynesia” which according to Pohiva is extremely important.

He said the Polynesian Leaders Group has a specific focus on empowering Polynesia through regional innovation, infrastructural cooperation and resilience. 

“In the sprit of regionalism, the regional Pacific Islands Forum is taking leadership, assuring issues that has been long, common and central to the survival of our Islands such as climate change, social economic development, and political stability,” he said. 

“Similar platforms, of the P.I.D.F. is now dedicated itself to pursuing this issue more prominently. 

“In our annual meeting, we are reminded to pursue the uniqueness of Polynesia to sustain heritage, culture, traditional knowledge and information of which we have the privilege of diversity and continuity in maintaining our solemn states.”

Pohiva said the Polynesian rival groups have the ability to be self-sustained with the luxury of the resources they have.

“But Polynesia, what can we do to bridge the gaps in our development and survival?” he asked. 

“This year, we would like to pursue firm tangible solution actions, only in depth decisions, and platforms for future partnership. 

“Excellencies as Pacific Nations, so small, we are the smallest yet we are the largest in the world in the oceans we occupy. 

 “Connectivity is the key to overcome the isolation we experience not only through the world but with each other.

 “But for some of us, we cannot do this alone, hence we look into this Forum for collaboration and cooperation.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 04 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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