14 Feb 2007

First meeting for Regional Institutional Framework

4:30 am on 14 February 2007

The Regional Institutional Framework (RIF) Taskforce will convene for the first time tomorrow in Suva, Fiji.

The Framework meeting will be held held back-to-back with a Pacific Plan Action Committee (PPAC) meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Forum Secretariat Secretary general Greg Urwin says the framework is going to play a significant role in effectively translating the Pacific Plan's aspirations into tangible outcomes.

A review of the existing regional institutional arrangements was commissioned by PPAC last year, and a consequent report presented to Forum Leaders at their October 2006 meeting in Nadi.

The report recommended, among other things, the re-organising of regional institutions under three pillars: a political and general policy institution; a sector-focused technical institution; and academic and training organisations.

The RIF Taskforce comprises representatives from all members* of Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific agencies.

At their meeting the Taskforce will discuss progress to date, as well as the appointment of an RIF Manager to be based at the Forum Secretariat.