Palau Patriotic Front Congress Delegation

GPIP will meet in Koror on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, to officially begin the work of its fourth session, with about 60 participants representing parliaments from across the Pacific region in attendance.

The day began with an official opening ceremony with remarks by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Palau, His Excellency Sabino Anastasio, and the President of the Republic of Palau, His Excellency Surangir Whipps, Jr. Both sides warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the Pacific legislature for its initiative to work together, stand together and defend common interests.

At the start of the first day, they were keen to highlight the leading role of parliaments in promoting human security for Pacific Islanders, which is essential to the proper functioning of institutions. The day’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Robert Underwood, Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Guam and former U.S. Congressman, who focused on the evolving concept of human security. He spoke about the specific challenges faced by Pacific nations due to their isolation, including environmental, economic and social threats.

Dr. Underwood also stressed that human security in the region must go beyond territorial defense and also include protecting people from the threats of climate change, poverty and disease, with sustained dialogue, community knowledge development and self-management of resources proposed as alternative solutions to meet these challenges.

The first working meeting, entitled “People-centred development and human security: Pacific island countries facing global change”helped introduce how the Blue Pacific Continental 2050 Strategy can enhance human security through development policies that focus on individuals, protecting a culture of peace, and regional integration.

Discussions also focused on the impact of globalization on cultural identity and the need for policy solutions to protect and enhance local culture. In the afternoon, delegations made presentations on the progress made in implementing the commitments of the Fangatapu Declaration.

During this session, Anthony Jeros presented French Polynesia’s progress in combating global warming, protecting the environment and biodiversity, and in the areas of renewable energy and innovation. The Assembly President also detailed concrete actions taken to limit environmental impacts, such as banning plastic products and establishing marine protected areas. He also highlighted progress in energy regulation and regional and international partnerships that support these initiatives, particularly through funding and collaboration with international organizations. Mr. Jeros concluded by calling for strengthening GPIP to increase transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of parliamentary institutions in the Pacific. The day ended with an official visit to the National Congress of Palau, allowing elected officials to get a close look at the host country’s legislative body.

Source: APF

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Communications Department of the Parliament of French Polynesia Tel: +(689) 40 41 63 77 –40 41 63 76 Email: communication@assemblee.pf2 Proposal to strengthen GPIP to increase transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of parliamentary institutions The day in the Pacific ended with an official visit to the National Congress of Palau, giving elected officials a close look at Palau’s legislative body.