Pacific Islands Forum (PIF): Organisation for Independent States of the Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is an inter-governmental organisation formed to strengthen the cooperation between the independent States of the Pacific Ocean. It was established in 1971 with a name of ‘South Pacific Forum’ but in 1999, renamed as Pacific Islands Forum in order to incorporate the independent States of north and south Pacific island countries.

It is a forum of 16 independent political grouping and self-governing state. I.e. Australia, Cook Islands, Federal states of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Objectives of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)

It is a forum of independent political grouping and self-governing state and formed with an aim to enhance the realm of cooperation among Pacific region and improved regional as well as political integrity through high quality policy advice, coordination and implementation assistance. The objectives of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) are given below:

• To strengthen engagement with stakeholders at all levels in Forum processes, initiatives and partnerships to enhance regional cooperation and integration.

• To implement an effective and sustainable programme of monitoring and evaluation of the Leaders’ decisions and the Framework for Pacific Regionalism.

• To enhance the coordination and provision of policy advice to members on building strategic partnerships, current and emerging issues in social sectors and development partner engagement.

• To advocate and support the Forum position on various issues, and in particular, the special needs of the region’s Smaller Island States.

Institutional Framework of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)

Secretary General: It is appointed by the leaders of forum for three year who is directly responsible and accountable to the Forum leaders and to the Forum Official committee.

Secretariat: Secretary General is assisted by the secretariat. There are four divisions and each division has responsibility to improve the capacity of the member countries and to coordinate action on matters of common interest such as:

• Development and Economic Policy

• Trade and Investment

• Political, International and Legal Affairs

• Corporate Services